Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which men experience difficulties with the process of obtaining and maintaining an erection in order to have sexual intercourse. Its frequency is higher among older men. Diabetes, certain heart conditions, and prostate cancer treatment can often contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction. What are the reasons? Reasons for the development of erectile dysfunction can be physical, medical or emotional factors. One of the main problems with erectile dysfunction is related to insufficient blood flow to the penis. High blood sugar, smoking and heart disease lead to or exacerbate this problem. Another problem is the impossibility of blood entering the cavernous bodies of the penis to be retained during an erection. This condition is called cavernous dysfunction. NEWS_MORE_BOX The cause of erectile dysfunction may be disturbances in the transmission of nerve signals from the brain and spinal cord. Injuries, surgeries and diseases in the pelvic area can lead to damage and erectile dysfunction. Medications that are taken are also important for the occurrence of erectile dysfunction. Some of them can unlock the process or deepen it. Such examples are some drugs that lower blood pressure, antidepressants, antihistamines. What is the treatment? The treatment of erectile dysfunction is determined depending on the cause that led to this condition. If the cause is medical, caused by drugs we take, the doctor or specialist will change the preparation or its dosage. Stopping medication should not be undertaken without prior consultation with the attending physician. Men with proven low testosterone levels, injecting certain amounts of this hormone can have a beneficial effect. Drug treatment is prescribed when no mental or vascular diseases are established. In these cases, preparations of choice from the group of phosphodiesterase inhibitors are used. Before using them, we should be thoroughly familiar with their side effects.