Sometimes referred to as impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition, particularly for those over 40. While it’s rarely a sign of anything serious, it can still knock your confidence and make intimacy harder to achieve.
But you’re not alone! From explaining ED’s symptoms and causes, to outlining your treatment options, we’re here to help you get your sex life back on track.
Three key takeaways
Erectile dysfunction is relatively common and treatable. Occasional problems getting an erection are normal, but if it’s happening a lot, you may have ED.
ED can be caused by health conditions, lifestyle factors or psychological struggles.
Whether it’s by making lifestyle changes or taking medication, erectile dysfunction can be reversed.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to have sex.
Most people experience erection problems at some point, especially if they’ve been drinking alcohol.
However, you may have erectile dysfunction if you regularly struggle to get and keep an erection. A mild case of ED may mean you can get an erection but struggle to maintain it. In more severe cases, you may be unable to get an erection at all.
The symptoms of erectile dysfunction include being unable to get and maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Some people also experience a reduced sex drive, or a loss of libido.
Depending on what’s causing your erectile dysfunction, you might still be able to have an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
“Erectile dysfunction has a wide range of causes, both physical and psychological. Typically, it’s related to the blood supplied to the penis. For example, it could be caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels or reduced blood flow to the penis, preventing an erection from occurring.
“There can also be psychological reasons behind ED, like performance anxiety. That’s where the fear of not performing leads to actual performance issues, like ED.
“The majority of people will struggle to get an erection from time to time, especially if they've consumed alcohol or are tired and stressed. But if you find that you’re frequently unable to get and maintain an erection, you could have erectile dysfunction.”
hormone problems, like a low level of testosterone (male sex hormone)
When to seek help for erectile dysfunction
“It’s important that you book in to see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic if your erection problems keep happening or they’re causing distress to both you and your partner.
“You’ll likely get your results quicker at your local sexual health clinic, as many offer a walk-in service, meaning you won’t need an appointment.
“At your appointment, the healthcare professional may ask you some simple health, lifestyle and relationship questions, in addition to what problems you’re having. They may also perform some basic health checks, like taking your blood pressure and examining your genitals to rule out an obvious cause.
“If you have additional symptoms like needing to pass urine more often, they may also wish to look at your prostate by performing a rectal examination.
“Blood and urine tests can also determine whether you have an underlying health condition like a hormone imbalance or diabetes, amongst others. An ultrasound of the penis is useful to see if you have any blood flow problems that could be causing your erectile dysfunction.”
Erectile dysfunction treatments range from things you can try yourself like stopping smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink, to medical treatments your GP or one of our clinicians can offer you.
Medical treatments
You’re able to get Viagra Connect and Cialis Together without a prescription – all you’ll need to do is answer a few health-related questions and one of our clinicians will be able to see if it’s the right option for you.
Next there’s prescription-only medicines, which include:
These medicines are called PDE-5 inhibitors, and they work by increasing the blood flow to the penis to aid you in getting and maintaining an erection.
Additionally, there’s non-medicated options available too. Vacuum pumps can help to increase the size and strength of your erection by encouraging blood flow to the penis. They work for a lot of people and are the ideal choice if medicine cannot be taken or doesn’t work.
If all other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may suggest a surgical treatment. One of the main procedures is a penile implant, a device that’s placed inside the penis to allow an erection to form.
However, if your erectile dysfunction is caused by a mental health condition such as depression, it may be the best option to work on managing and treating your symptoms first. It’s probable that once your mental health has improved, so will your ED.
The same applies to health conditions like diabetes, and others which can cause constricted blood vessels.
Lifestyle changes
Making a few lifestyle changes may be enough to help reverse your erectile dysfunction For example, if you’re overweight and smoke and drink excessively, you’re at an increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction, in addition to premature ejaculation.
It’s beneficial to try losing weight and stopping both habits to see if you notice a positive change in your symptoms before opting for medical treatments.
Studies suggest that cycling can be another cause of ED. When you’re cycling, the seat puts constant pressure on your perineum (the area between the genitals and the anus) which can damage the nerves and temporarily reduce blood flow.
This can cause a tingling or numbing sensation in the penis which can eventually lead to erectile problems. If you’re an avid cycler and you’re experiencing ED, take a break to see if your symptoms improve.
How our expert team of clinicians can help with ED
We understand how much erectile dysfunction can affect your confidence, and taking the first step to get help isn’t always easy. That's why we’re here to support you from the comfort of your own home, with no in-person appointment needed.
You’ll complete an online consultation, discussing your symptoms and medical history, and our clinicians will determine whether an ED medication is right for you. If so, we’ll deliver it quickly and discreetly to your door.
Frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction
How can you tell if you have erectile dysfunction?
If you have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection on a regular basis, you may have erectile dysfunction. Most people struggle getting an erection from time to time, but this doesn’t mean they have ED. Consider how often you have symptoms to determine if you could have it.
How long does erectile dysfunction last?
This is dependent on the cause. Most cases of ED are caused by physical factors such as heart disease, obesity or diabetes. In these cases, ED may be long-term.
However, 10-20% of erectile dysfunction cases are psychological and can respond to counselling in time.
Does masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?
No, masturbation does not cause ED. This is a common myth.
Can high blood pressure cause erectile dysfunction?
By treating the underlying cause, you may reverse ED. There are medicines available that can treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, but these are not cures.
What is the best cream for erectile dysfunction?
Alprostadil is a prescription-only cream that’s used to treat ED. A drug-free alternative is Eroxon, though its effectiveness varies.
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