Erectile Dysfunction

Health Concerns & Conditions

What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as 'impotence', is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity.

Most men experience erection trouble from time to time. This isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction lasts for more than 6 months, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of other underlying health conditions that need treatment, such as risk of heart disease.

Causes of erectile dysfunction:
Penile erection is a complex process that involves many different aspects of the body: the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. When one has an issue with any one of these, there's a chance that they suffer from erectile problems. Physical, mental, and relational health also affect one's ability to achieve, or maintain, an erection.


Possible physical causes:

  • Cardiovascular problems, such as clogged blood vessels and heart problems
  • High cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Hormonal issues, such as low testosterone, and slow thyroid
  • Injuries / surgeries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord


Lifestyle choices:

  • Being too busy
  • Smoking tobacco or marijuana
  • Alcoholism, or other substance misuse


Medication / Psychiatric conditions:

  • SSRI and other prescription medication
  • Eating disorders
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)


Psychological causes:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Relationship problems
  • Performance anxiety
  • Other sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation, orgasmic disorder, Peyronie's disease
  • Body image issue


How do I reduce the chances of getting erectile problems?

  • Lead a physically healthy life
  • Take care of your mental health
  • Talk to your partner about relationship and sexual issues


What treatment options are available?

  • Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. They include: Sildenafil; Tadalafil; Vardenafil; Avanafil
  • Penis pumps
  • Penile implants
  • Sex and Relationship Therapy

Written by Mr. Matthew Bartolo, lead clinician at Sex Clinic Malta. He can be contacted at info@willingness.com.mt