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Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called "impotence," is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.

Sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction share a stronger link than expected

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 observational studies found that greater obstructive sleep apnea severity was associated with poorer erectile function, with higher AHI linked to lower IIEF scores and higher minimum oxygen saturation linked to higher IIEF scores. The authors caution that the evidence remains observational, heterogeneous, and low certainty, so the findings support targeted screening rather than proving causality.

8 Jul 2026

Single cocaine exposure causes lasting brain cell changes in mice

Researchers studying the impact of cocaine in mice have found that just one exposure to the drug can create changes in brain cells that persist for at least two weeks.

6 Jul 2026

Low testosterone linked to higher kidney stone risk in men, study finds

A large cross-sectional study in South Korea found that men with low testosterone levels (below 3.33 ng/mL) were significantly more likely to have kidney stones. This association held even after adjusting for age and metabolic risk factors, suggesting testosterone may play a protective role.

6 May 2025

Researchers explore steam treatment for prostate cancer

Steam eliminates wrinkles and germs, but can it destroy cancer cells too?

7 Jan 2025

COVID-19 pandemic reduced sexual partners and activity in the U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of sexual partners and sexual encounters in the U.S., with non-married women experiencing the most pronounced declines.

24 Sep 2024

Elevated atherogenic index linked to higher erectile dysfunction risk

Study identifies a significant link between higher atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) levels and increased erectile dysfunction (ED) risk among US men, with implications for early intervention and cardiovascular health.

5 Sep 2024

Why the election may slow plans to replace lead pipes

With the Environmental Protection Agency's latest — and strictest — plan to minimize the risk of Americans drinking lead-contaminated water on the horizon, the debate over whether the rules go too far or not nearly far enough is reaching a tipping point.

10 Jul 2024

Scientists test a novel scale for quantifying sexual desire and erotic fantasies

A study validates the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire (SDEF1) as a reliable tool to assess various dimensions of sexual desire, highlighting significant gender and orientation differences among 1,773 Italian participants.

28 Jun 2024

Experts call for better information and treatments for post-orgasmic illness syndrome

A study in the "International Journal of Impotence Research" reveals that sexual medicine experts find current information on post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) inadequate, often referring patients for psychotherapy or prescribing antihistamines with limited symptom improvement.

26 Jun 2024

Research finds microplastics in human penile tissue

The accumulation of microplastics in penile tissue to determine potential toxicity concerns.

21 Jun 2024

Study confirms no causal link between COVID-19 and ischemic priapism

A study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found no causal link between COVID-19 and ischemic priapism, with priapism occurring across all COVID-19 severity levels and treatments remaining effective.

13 Jun 2024

Does cannabis use cause erectile dysfunction?

Study found no causal link between cannabis use and erectile dysfunction or changes in sex hormone levels using Mendelian randomization analysis.

7 Jun 2024

COVID-19 associated with higher risk of erectile dysfunction

Men previously diagnosed with COVID-19 are at a greater risk of developing new-onset erectile dysfunction.

31 May 2024

Study finds rise in hospitalizations for ischemic priapism

Researchers analyzed nationwide data from Germany to evaluate trends and outcomes in hospitalized cases of high- and low-flow priapism, finding increased hospitalizations for ischemic priapism and reduced cases linked to sickle cell disease.

26 May 2024

Rare condition post-orgasmic illness syndrome explored in depth

Comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), a rare condition marked by a range of symptoms following ejaculation, highlighting the need for further research to understand its causes and develop effective treatments.

17 Mar 2024