A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop erectile dysfunction with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing erectile dysfunction. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors include:
The incidence of erectile dysfunction rises with age, with about 5% at age 40, to 15%-25% at age 65 and older.
Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:
Trauma, whether through an accident or surgery, can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Trauma may result from:
Certain behaviors can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:
Certain medications can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:
If you suspect a medication may be affecting your sexual functioning, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.
Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts. Updated July 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113875/E...tile-dysfunction. Updated December 15, 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Erectile dysfuntion. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/male-sexual-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction. Updated June 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ. Erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(10):820-827.
What is erectile dysfunction? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.