Erectile Dysfunction
June 26, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Humberto Villarreal, M.D., urologic surgeon and assistant clinical professor, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for intercourse.
Most men will occasionally have ED, which shouldn't cause worry. However, if ED becomes a consistent problem, it may cause emotional distress, impact a man's quality of life and indicate an underlying health issue.
Erectile dysfunction affects approximately half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70. It may be caused by a variety of physical, emotional and psychological issues and is more likely to occur in older men.
The care team diagnoses erectile dysfunction by identifying reversible causes, discussing previous treatments and completing a thorough medical history and physical exam. Additional tests may be used during the diagnosis process as well.
Several methods are available for treating erectile dysfunction. These include lifestyle modifications, oral medications, penile implants, penis pumps, surgery and other treatments.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to support services to help you during and after your erectile dysfunction treatment.
Leslie, Stephen W., et al. StatPearls. Erectile dysfunction, January 4, 2024.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction, July 2017.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causesUrology Care Foundation. What is erectile dysfunction? June 2018.
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction, July 2017.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-factsNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, July 2017.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosisAmerican Family Physician. Diagnostic evaluation of erectile dysfunction, January 1, 2000.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0101/p95.html
Our Erectile Dysfunction Expertise
City of Hope is a nationally recognized leader in researching and treating urologic cancers and has been named by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's top urology and cancer hospitals.
Just as no two patients are alike, erectile dysfunction requires a personalized treatment plan to obtain the best possible outcomes. City of Hope's renowned physicians and researchers utilize the latest technology and innovation to treat urologic conditions, coupled with our enduring belief in providing unparalleled compassionate care.
City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough treatments, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to patient care.