Understanding Erectile Dysfunction Medications

• What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
• What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
• How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
• Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors
• Androgens
• Prostaglandins
• Investigational Drugs
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for successful sexual activity. Normally, an erection occurs when the arteries carrying blood to the penis widen, allowing more blood to flow in, and the veins carrying blood away from the penis are compressed, restricting blood from flowing out. In other words, more blood flows in and less flows out, making the penis larger and causing an erection. Certain nerves and hormones in the body also play a role in initiating and maintaining an erection. Any abnormality involving these systems, whether due to medication or disease, has a significant effect on the ability to develop and sustain an erection, to ejaculate, and to experience orgasm.