What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a synonym for any erection disturbance. An erection must be achieved before sexual intercourse can commence. Erectile dysfunction describes the case where the penis does not harden sufficiently or when the erection cannot be maintained long enough for fulfilling intercourse. In colloquial terms, ‘impotence’ is often said where ‘erectile dysfunction’ is really meant.

A definition for erectile dysfunction is not easy to come by because every individual has different sexual sensations. According to common opinion, erectile dysfunction refers to when over 70% percent of all attempts at sexual intercourse over a 6-month period have failed because of insufficient stiffness or an inability to maintain an erection.