ED content online can be confusing because it uses a mix of medical terms and internet shorthand. Here is a quick plain English glossary to help you make sense of what you read and get erectile dysfunction explained in simpler terms.
Erectile dysfunction: Persistent difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex, in a way that affects wellbeing.
Libido: Sexual desire. Libido and erections are related but not identical.
Arousal: The body and mind response to sexual stimulation. Anxiety can blunt arousal.
Morning erections: Erections that occur during sleep and on waking. Their presence can be a useful clue but not a perfect test.
Performance anxiety: Worry about sexual performance that triggers alert mode and makes erections less reliable.
Cardiovascular risk factors: Factors that affect blood vessel health, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Doctor led assessment: A clinical conversation and, where appropriate, checks to understand contributing factors and next steps.
Situational ED: ED that happens in some situations but not others, often linked with stress or context.
Persistent ED: ED that is present most of the time over weeks or months and may need support for erectile dysfunction to clarify contributors and next steps.
ED support and assessment
Doctor led assessment is here
