Impotence means that a man's penis doesn't get hard enough to have sexual intercourse. The man cannot get or maintain an erection. The medical term is erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is not the same as premature ejaculation.

What is the difference between impotence and ED?

The term impotence can be used to describe problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction or it can be a lack of sexual desire and problems associated with orgasm or ejaculation. On the other hand, erectile dysfunction is more specific to a man's inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Is ED considered impotence?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern.