Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a type of male sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to maintain an erection long enough and firm enough for sexual intercourse.
While most men will have occasional difficulty achieving a healthy erection during sexual intercourse, ED is only considered a possible medical explanation for these symptoms if erection difficulties have been affecting a man for an extended period of time. When blood flow to the two chambers of the penis, known as the corpora cavernosa, is blocked or restricted for any reason, this can result in ED.