Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man is repeatedly unable to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse (Miller, 2000; Rhoden, Teloken, Sogari, & Vargas Souto, 2002; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), the essential features of ED are listed as the repeated inability to develop or maintain an erection during sexual stimulation or activity. More specifically defined than ED, erectile disorder includes the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, occurring at least 75% of the time over the course of at least 6 months [American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2013].