What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Occasional difficulty is normal — it becomes a medical concern when it happens regularly and affects your quality of life or relationships.
Common Causes
Physical causes include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications (antidepressants, blood pressure drugs). Psychological causes include stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Often, both physical and psychological factors contribute.
The Cardiovascular Connection
ED is often an early warning sign of heart disease. The blood vessels in the penis are smaller than those supplying the heart — they're affected by vascular disease first. Men with ED have a 2x higher risk of future cardiovascular events. Treating ED should include cardiovascular risk assessment.
Treatment Options
First-line treatments are PDE5 inhibitors: sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). These work by relaxing blood vessel walls in the penis, allowing increased blood flow. They're effective in 70-80% of men. Lifestyle modifications (exercise, sleep, stress management) improve both ED and overall health.
Getting Help Through Clyne
A Clyne provider can evaluate your ED through a confidential online consultation, prescribe appropriate medication, and provide ongoing support. Treatment ships in discreet packaging with free expedited delivery.
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This content is reviewed by Clyne's editorial team and grounded in published clinical evidence. Citations are listed at the end of each piece. Clyne Concierge translates the science; your physician makes all clinical decisions. We never fabricate trial data, patient stories, or outcomes.
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