Fact checked
This article has been fact checked by a licensed expert before publication to ensure all information provided is correct and safe. What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a fairly common condition where a man is unable to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough or lasts long enough for sex.
Erectile dysfunction symptoms can range from the very moderate and occasional to the severe and often. Impotence in men typically increases in likelihood with age, but it can also occur in younger men.
But what does erectile dysfunction mean in terms of our overall health, and what does ED mean for our sex lives? Is it permanent, and what can be done to help us to avoid it?
Medically reviewed by
Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical lead