How is erectile dysfunction defined, and in which group is it common?

Answer: A. The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse; it is common in men over 40

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Epidemiology

• ED is a common problem in men over 40 (the Massachusetts Male Aging Study found ~9.6% of men aged 40-70 had complete ED).
• It is predominantly organic (with coexisting psychological issues), but in younger men psychological causes are more common.

Significance

ED has substantial emotional/psychological impact and, via shared vascular mechanisms, can predict cardiovascular disease and early death - so it should not be ignored.

Why A

ED is the inability to achieve/maintain an erection for satisfactory intercourse, common in men over 40.

Why the others are wrong

Painful intercourse (dyspareunia), low desire (HSDD), premature ejaculation and anorgasmia are different sexual dysfunctions, not the definition of ED.