Erectile dysfunction is the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection adequate for satisfactory intercourse. It can have physical causes, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonal conditions or nerve damage, psychological causes such as stress or performance anxiety, or a combination, and the stress of fertility treatment itself can sometimes contribute. Erectile dysfunction affects the ability to have intercourse but does not by itself indicate a problem with sperm production; a separate semen analysis is needed to assess that. Management depends on the underlying cause and can include addressing contributing health conditions, counselling, or medical treatment prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
Also known as: ED, impotence
Related India guides
Sources
- ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.