Facts about Erectile Dysfunction

Yes—erectile dysfunction is very common.

• An estimated 1 in 5 men experience ED at some point in adulthood

• Prevalence increases with age, affecting:

  • ~40% of men in their 40s

  • ~50% of men in their 50s

  • ~60% of men in their 60s

Importantly, ED is not caused by aging itself, but by underlying medical, vascular, neurological, hormonal, or psychological factors that become more common over time.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to consistently achieve or maintain an erection firm enough or long enough for satisfying sexual intercourse.

ED may present in different ways, including:

• Erections that occur inconsistently

• Erections that do not last long enough

• Erections that are not firm enough for penetration

• Complete inability to achieve an erection

ED can be short-term or chronic, depending on the cause.

Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of another health condition, not a standalone issue. Causes generally fall into three categories:

Physical Causes

Conditions affecting blood flow, nerves, or hormones are common contributors, including:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Heart or vascular disease

• Thyroid disorders

• Obesity or metabolic conditions

Certain medications may also contribute to ED, such as:

• Antidepressants

• Blood pressure medications

• Hormonal therapies

• Appetite suppressants

⚠️ Never stop or change medications without speaking to a healthcare provider.

Psychological Causes

Mental and emotional health plays a significant role, including:

• Stress and anxiety

• Depression

• Performance anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Relationship concerns

Lifestyle Factors

Overall health habits can strongly affect erectile function:

• Smoking or vaping

• Excess alcohol use

• Recreational drug use

• Poor diet or sedentary lifestyle

Because ED can signal early cardiovascular disease, medical evaluation is recommended—even when symptoms seem mild.

There is no single timeline for ED.

• ED caused by stress, medication side effects, or lifestyle factors may improve with changes

• Psychological ED may improve with counseling or therapy

• Chronic or medically related ED may require ongoing management

The good news: ED is highly treatable at any stage, and early treatment improves outcomes.

Prescription Treatments

Oral ED medications work by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the penis. These medications require medical screening, as they may interact with other drugs or medical conditions.

A healthcare provider will determine which option is safest and most appropriate for you.

Non-Prescription & Additional Treatments

Depending on the cause, treatment plans may include:

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management)

• Reducing or stopping smoking, alcohol, or drug use

• Mental health counseling or therapy

• Injectable medications

• Vacuum erection devices

• Surgical options (reserved for severe or refractory cases)

Call-On-Doc offers discreet, affordable online care for erectile dysfunction—without long waits or in-office visits.

With Call-On-Doc, you can:

• Consult with a licensed provider online

• Receive safe, evidence-based ED treatment

• Get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy—often within 1–2 hours

• Access prescription discounts and savings cards

• Choose subscription plans with discreet home delivery

If another medical condition may be contributing to ED, Call-On-Doc also offers men’s health evaluations and lab testing, including at-home options, to support accurate diagnosis and long-term care.

Get started today and take control of your sexual health—privately and confidently.