Is Erectile Dysfunction a permanent condition?

Erectile dysfunction, commonly referred as ED, is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse with a partner. Some of the most common symptoms of erectile dysfunction include difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection and inability to have a soft erection. It can be caused by either or all of physical, neurological and emotional incapacity. Some of them could be heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, low Testosterone levels, alcoholism.

Even substance abuse, surgeries or injuries affecting the pelvic area or the spinal cord, treatment of the prostate can cause erectile dysfunction. Stress, interpersonal or communication based issues with the partner, depression, anxiety, and other comorbid mental health conditions are also considered as precursors for the same.

Failure to achieve an erection more than 50% of the time generally means that there is a problem. However, it is a treatable condition. It is usually treated with either medication, hormone therapy or surgery but knowing the underlying cause is important. If the underlying causes are psychological/emotional or due to lifestyle factors then psychological counselling/ therapy or making lifestyle changes like incorporating physical exercise in the routine, changing food habits, limiting/ omitting alcohol or drug use can help in reversing the symptoms without the need for medication or surgery.