Dr. Bernard Fallon Urologist Dr. Fallon explains how impotence and erectile dysfunction differ.
Impotence implies the complete inability to get any type of erection.
Dr. Fallon discusses the causes for erectile dysfunction. Vascular disease is the principle cause, but diabetes must be recognized as a major contributor for many people. Other factors include high blood pressure, medications, and smoking, because it is an important cause of vascular disease and therefore is considered an indirect contributor to erectile dysfunction. Age has been found to be associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Changes in vascular disease and neurological status are several things that occur with age that are contributing factors.