Erectile Dysfunction - ED

What is ED, Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. In fact, most men experience this condition at some point in their lives, usually by age 40. The problem can occur at any age.

Some men experience complete erectile dysfunction while others achieve erections that are not firm enough for penetration or become flaccid before climax. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which are treatable, and is not an inevitable consequence of aging. ED can cause emotional and relationship problems, and often leads to diminished self-esteem.

ED can be a symptom of an existing medical condition, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, or diabetes, so it is important to consult your physician if you have ED.

Incidence and Occurrence
The most recent data from the National Institutes of Health estimates that approximately 30 million men in the United States experience chronic erectile dysfunction.

Incidence of ED increases with age. Chronic ED affects about 5% of men in their 40s and 15-25% of men by the age of 65. Transient ED and inadequate erection affect as many as 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70.

Dr. Evan Goldfischer specializes in erectile dysfunction. He sees patients in the Poughkeepsie office and you can also hear him as Dr. Love on WPDH (101.5) the first Monday of each month speaking on the topic of ED.

Questions to ask your doctor...

  • Could my ED be a result of a normal aging process?
  • Do you work with trained therapist who can help us deal with the psychological effects of my ED?
  • How do we know if my ED is the result of a medical condition or psychological condition?
  • Sometimes I get only partial erections, what could cause this?
  • What types of tests will be performed to help determine if impotence is related to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or another serious medical condition?
  • Will an ED diagnosis include blood tests, imaging tests, nerve tests, and/or other diagnostic tests?
  • Will lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep make a difference?
  • What types of ED treatments are available? And which ones do you recommend.