Let’s be blunt: if you think erectile dysfunction is rare, think again. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of those topics that many men hesitate to discuss, yet it affects millions worldwide. ED isn’t just about getting older—it’s an actual health condition that can strike at any age. What’s more, it can be a symptom of other medical conditions, like heart disease or diabetes. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Talking about it does.

ED is the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual performance. While occasional issues are normal (stress, fatigue, or even a heavy night out can interfere), ED becomes a medical concern when it happens frequently.

What makes ED such an important subject is that it doesn’t just touch the physical side of health; it can affect self-confidence, intimacy and relationships. For some men, it’s the silent stressor in the background, unspoken but heavy. For others, it becomes a frustrating obstacle that strains communication with their partner. Understanding ED, then, is not only about the biology, but also about its emotional and psychological dimensions.

Historically, ED was shrouded in stigma, sometimes dismissed as simply a byproduct of aging. But medical science has advanced, showing that while age is a factor, ED is not inevitable. In fact, it’s often a signal of underlying health conditions. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity all increase the risk of ED, making it an important early warning system for men’s health.

Studies suggest that approximately 1 in 3 men will experience some form of erectile difficulty in their lifetime, with prevalence increasing after age 40.^1,2 But it doesn’t mean the younger population is immune—lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and stress contribute significantly to ED, even in men under 30.

Despite its prevalence, ED is highly treatable. From medication to lifestyle changes to therapy, solutions exist that can restore both sexual function and confidence. But the first step is talking about it—breaking through the silence. When men view ED not as a source of shame but as a manageable health condition, the path to treatment becomes much clearer. Making an appointment to talk to your doctor or a physician specializing in men’s sexual wellness is the first step to reclaiming your health in the bedroom.

Now that we know ED isn’t just “in your head” or “because you’re getting older,” the real question is: what’s actually causing it? In the next part of this three-part series, we’ll pull back the curtain on the hidden erection killers—physical, psychological and lifestyle triggers that sabotage performance.

Dr. Maya Kato is the founder of Aesthetic Art and can be reached at (760) 610.5558.
For more information visit Dr. Kato’s website.

References: 1) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/erectile-dysfunction; 2) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3976909/