Quick answer: Erectile dysfunction (ED) means regularly finding it hard to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It is very common, especially as men get older, and occasional trouble is normal. Causes can be physical, such as heart and blood vessel health, diabetes or some medicines, or psychological, such as stress and anxiety. If it keeps happening, see your GP: ED is treatable, and it can be an early sign of other health problems worth checking.
Key takeaways
- Occasional erection problems are normal; ED is when it happens regularly.
- ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes, so it is worth a check-up.
- Stress, anxiety, alcohol, smoking and some medicines all play a part.
- There are effective treatments, so talk to your GP rather than putting up with it.
- Intimacy is about more than erections: couples can stay close while you sort it out.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
Very common. Most men have trouble with an erection now and then, usually because they are tired, stressed or have had a few drinks. It becomes more likely with age, but younger men experience it too, often linked to anxiety. ED is a health issue, not a personal failing, and doctors talk about it every day.
Common causes
An erection depends on healthy blood flow, nerves, hormones and your state of mind all working together, so lots of things can get in the way:
- Heart and blood vessel health: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the penis.
- Diabetes: it can affect both blood vessels and nerves.
- Lifestyle: smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, recreational drugs, being overweight and not moving much.
- Medicines: some blood pressure medicines and antidepressants can affect erections. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; talk to your doctor.
- Hormones: low testosterone is a less common cause.
- Your mind: stress, depression, relationship problems and performance anxiety. One difficult experience can lead to worry next time, which makes it harder again.
When to see a doctor
Book a GP appointment if erection problems happen regularly, have started suddenly, or are worrying you or your partner. Because the blood vessels in the penis are small, ED can show up years before heart problems, so your GP may check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Depending on the cause, treatment might include lifestyle changes, a review of your medicines, counselling or prescription treatments. A good place to read more first is Healthy Male.
Things that can help
- Move more, stop smoking and keep alcohol moderate. These help your heart and your erections.
- Get enough sleep and look after your stress levels.
- Take the pressure off. Focusing on touch, kissing and other kinds of pleasure, rather than on penetration, often helps erections come back on their own.
- Talk to your partner. Most partners are far more understanding than you expect, and silence tends to make anxiety worse.
Staying intimate as a couple
Sex does not have to stop while you work things out. Hands, mouths, massage and toys can all be part of great sex. Some couples like to add a cock ring to play: it sits at the base of the penis and slows blood flowing back out, and some men find it helps them feel firmer. A cock ring is a sex aid, not a treatment for ED, so check with your GP first if you have a health condition or take blood thinners. Never wear one for more than about 20 to 30 minutes, and take it off straight away if it hurts or you feel numbness or coldness.
A vibrating cock ring can also add stimulation for your partner, and a good lubricant makes everything more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to lose an erection sometimes?
Yes. Most men occasionally have trouble getting or keeping an erection, often because of tiredness, stress or alcohol. It is only called erectile dysfunction when it happens regularly.
Can young men get erectile dysfunction?
Yes. In younger men it is often linked to stress, anxiety or performance worries, but physical causes are possible too, so it is still worth seeing a GP if it keeps happening.
Is erectile dysfunction a sign of heart disease?
It can be. The blood vessels in the penis are small, so reduced blood flow can show up there first. That is why a GP will often check your heart health.
Do cock rings treat erectile dysfunction?
No. A cock ring is a sex aid that some men find helps them feel firmer during play, but it does not treat the cause. Check with your doctor first if you have a health condition, and never wear one for more than 20 to 30 minutes.
Who should I talk to about ED?
Start with your GP. They can look for causes, check your general health and talk you through treatment options, including counselling if stress or anxiety is involved.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Everyone is different, so please talk to your GP or a sexual health clinic about your own situation. Helpful Australian resources: Healthdirect, Healthy Male.
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