Reproductive health
Erectile problems
Erectile problems mean difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex, which is common and often treatable.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of erectile problems and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is erectile problems?
Erectile problems, sometimes called erectile dysfunction, mean having trouble getting or maintaining an erection. It becomes more common with age but can affect men at any time, and an occasional difficulty is normal, often linked to tiredness, stress, alcohol or worry.
- Get urgent help: Erection problems can be an early warning sign of heart or circulation disease — it is worth getting your heart health and blood pressure checked. A painful erection that will not go down after a few hours (priapism) — this is urgent; go to A&E.
- Self-care: Lifestyle changes often improve erections and benefit your overall health.
About erectile problems
Erectile problems, sometimes called erectile dysfunction, mean having trouble getting or maintaining an erection. It becomes more common with age but can affect men at any time, and an occasional difficulty is normal, often linked to tiredness, stress, alcohol or worry. When it happens regularly it is worth looking into, because it can have physical causes such as problems with blood flow, diabetes or hormone levels, as well as psychological causes such as stress, anxiety or low mood. Importantly, erectile problems can be an early sign of heart or circulation disease, so they are worth taking seriously rather than being embarrassed about — effective help is available.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if erectile problems comes with any of these warning signs:
- Erection problems can be an early warning sign of heart or circulation disease — it is worth getting your heart health and blood pressure checked.
- A painful erection that will not go down after a few hours (priapism) — this is urgent; go to A&E.
- Sudden problems after an injury to the pelvis or back — get prompt assessment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if erectile problems are happening regularly, are causing you or your partner distress, or have come on alongside other symptoms such as low sex drive, tiredness or mood changes. It is also a good idea to be seen because these problems can be an early marker of heart and circulation disease, so a check of your blood pressure, weight and general health is worthwhile. Whatever the cause, there are effective treatments, and seeking help early often gives the best results.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of erectile problems
Erectile problems has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
Lifestyle changes often improve erections and benefit your overall health. Being physically active, keeping to a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and cutting back on alcohol all support good blood flow. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and addressing relationship worries or performance anxiety can help where the cause is psychological. Because erectile problems can reflect heart and circulation health, it is worth having your blood pressure, weight and general health reviewed. Talking openly with your partner and with a clinician removes much of the worry, and there are several effective treatments once the cause is understood.
Answers
Erectile problems: frequently asked questions
Is occasional difficulty getting an erection normal?
Yes. Occasional difficulty is common and is often linked to tiredness, stress, alcohol or worry. It becomes worth checking when it happens regularly or starts to cause you or your partner distress.
Can erectile problems be a sign of something serious?
They can be an early warning sign of heart or circulation disease, so it is worth getting your blood pressure and heart health checked. They may also be linked to diabetes or hormone levels, all of which can be assessed and treated.
Are erectile problems usually psychological or physical?
They can be either or both. Stress, anxiety and low mood are common psychological causes, while blood flow problems, diabetes and hormone levels are common physical ones. A doctor can help work out the cause and the best approach.
What is priapism and is it an emergency?
Priapism is a painful erection that will not go down after a few hours. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment to prevent lasting harm, so go to A&E if it happens.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Erectile dysfunction.
- British Heart Foundation
Related symptoms
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