About this condition
Erectile dysfunction refers to recurring difficulty getting or maintaining an erection suitable for desired sexual activity. An isolated episode during stress or fatigue does not necessarily indicate an ongoing disorder.
What to know
Blood-vessel health, the nervous system, metabolism, hormones, sleep, medications and emotional factors can all contribute. Persistent symptoms deserve confidential assessment, including attention to cardiovascular and other general health risks.
Symptoms and reasons for assessment
A person may notice that erections are less firm, shorter-lasting or harder to achieve than previously. Changes in sexual desire, morning erections or other symptoms may help a clinician understand the context, but no one symptom identifies the cause.
Other possible causes
Erectile dysfunction and male infertility are distinct issues. Someone may have an erection problem with normal semen parameters, and a man may have semen abnormalities without erection difficulty. Physical and psychological causes can overlap.
How clinicians assess the problem
An andrologist discusses symptom duration, sexual health, stress, medicines, chronic diseases and lifestyle, then examines the patient as appropriate. Blood pressure, metabolic risk factors or hormonal tests may be assessed when indicated. Complex tests are not necessary for everyone.
Treatment and follow-up options
Management is individual and may address underlying conditions, lifestyle factors and appropriate medication or other approaches. Medicines for erections have contraindications and interactions, including with certain heart medicines; do not buy or take them without clinical guidance.
When urgent care is necessary
Gradually developing erectile difficulties are usually not an emergency. Sudden severe genital pain, trauma or a prolonged painful erection requires immediate assessment. Call 103 for urgent assistance when necessary.
Related health information
Male infertility; Abnormal semen analysis results; Prostatitis.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Is erectile dysfunction always psychological?
No. Vascular, metabolic, hormonal, medicine-related and psychological factors may all contribute, sometimes together.
Does erectile dysfunction mean infertility?
No. Erection problems and sperm-related fertility problems are different conditions, even though they can coexist.
Can I take erection medication without seeing a doctor?
That can be unsafe because of interactions, contraindications and the possibility of an underlying health condition requiring assessment.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
