ED is a common condition in men of all ages and  ethnicities. The risk of having ED increases with age.

An intimate relationship between two people is complex  and involves many aspects. ED may affect or change your relationship with yourself and your partner. You may be embarrassed and feel guilty, making it difficult to talk to your partner about this issue. ED could have a direct impact on a committed relationship. ED can have a negative effect on your sex life. It is difficult to feel attractive and confident or be intimate with your partner when you do not feel able to give him or her pleasure. This can have an effect on trust, intimacy, and closeness. Your intimacy as well as your daily interaction may be affected. You can become more emotionally and physically reserved because you fear you will not be able to have satisfying sexual activity. Even though this behaviour may be a sign of frustration and humiliation, your partner may think that you are losing interest in him or her. This can have a negative impact on their selfesteem and feelings of attractiveness. 

A common cause of ED is heart disease. Other  common causes are: 

• Diabetes 
• Nerve damage to the penis or the pelvic area
  
• Pelvic surgery 
  
• Radiation therapy to the pelvic area 
  
• Low levels of testosterone 
  
• Neurologic disease, like Parkinson’s
  

ED and cardiovascular disease share common risk  factors, like obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and lack of exercise. ED can be an early sign of heart disease because problems with blood flow affect erectile function. This is why men who experience ED should go to the doctor to get checked for heart disease. 

ED is often associated with urinary symptoms, such as  urinary frequency, nocturia, and urgency. Often these symptoms are related to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). It is unclear if the urinary symptoms cause ED, but generally ED gets worse when urinary symptoms worsen. 

ED is sometimes the cause and sometimes the result of unsatisfying or dysfunctional relationships. It is often difficult to find out which started first. 

Several psychological conditions have been associated  with ED. These include: 

•  Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Feelings of self-inadequacy
• Low self esteem
• Inability to describe emotions
• Stress 

Social ideas of how men and women are supposed to  interact can also contribute to ED. These can include unrealistic expectations about love and sexuality, and inappropriate male and female role models. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem that needs to be diagnosed correctly, to find what causes it so that you get the appropriate treatment. 

Discussing ED with your family doctor or urologist may be uncomfortable, but it is important to do so. Together you can discuss which treatment is right for you. This section lists the different tests your doctor may need to assess your situation. It offers general information about diagnosis of ED. Keep in mind that situations can vary in different countries. 

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor in the prostate  gland. It is the most common form of cancer in older men. There are various treatment options for localized prostate cancer. Two of the most common ones are radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy. These treatment options can affect sexual health, and men frequently experience erectile dysfunction (ED) after treatment. 

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder  and is surrounded by nerves and blood vessels. These nerves and blood vessels are needed to achieve a normal erection. Much research has been done to understand where these nerves are located and how to prevent them from getting damaged during surgery or other treatments. 

The risk of having ED after prostate cancer treatment  depends on the surgical technique or type of radiation used by your doctor, but also on your: 

• Age  
• Build 
• Disease characteristics 
• Sexual health before the treatment