Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the regular or repeated inability to obtain or maintain an erection. It affects millions of men and is often a warning sign of an underlying systemic issue.
Quick Facts
- The NIH estimates up to 30 million American men are affected by ED.
- Roughly 1 in 10 men worldwide are thought to suffer from ED.
- Smoking more than 1 pack a day raises ED risk by 50% vs. non-smokers.
- Men over 75 have a 77.5% chance of suffering from erectile problems.
- Underlying conditions like diabetes or heart disease account for 70% of ED cases.
- Stress and anxiety contribute to an estimated 10–20% of cases.
Symptoms
Trouble getting or keeping an erection; reduced sexual desire.
How is erectile dysfunction related to your mouth?
Research has shown that subjects with periodontitis exhibit unusually low levels of an enzyme called eNOS, which produces nitric oxide — the chemical that relaxes smooth muscle to allow erectile blood flow. This may help explain why 15.8% of men with periodontitis experience erectile dysfunction: the chronic inflammation associated with gum disease appears to contribute to impotence.