Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection also can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment, and it can be a risk factor for heart disease.
If you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, in-person or video consultations are available. Sometimes treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other treatments might be needed.
To treat erectile dysfunction, the team will ensure you have the right treatment plan for any health conditions that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction. Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction, as well as any underlying health conditions, you might have various treatment options.
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.