Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Care
Learn about common causes of erection problems, possible health links, and options to discuss with a healthcare professional.
Erectile dysfunction means having difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. Occasional difficulty can happen, but repeated problems may be related to health conditions, stress, tiredness, alcohol, or some medicines.
A clinician may ask about your general health, medicines, and when the problem occurs. Depending on your situation, they may suggest health checks or further assessment, since erection problems can sometimes be associated with conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include changes to health habits, counselling, or prescription medicines. Medicines such as sildenafil or tadalafil are not suitable for everyone and can interact dangerously with nitrate medicines used for chest pain.
Speak with a healthcare professional if erection problems keep happening, or if you are concerned about them. Do not start prescription treatment without checking that it is safe for you.
Use the appointment to check wider health
Mention smoking, alcohol, blood pressure, diabetes, mood and all medicines or supplements. Do not stop an existing medicine on your own because you suspect it affects erections. In South Africa, a GP assessment can help identify whether tests, counselling or specialist care would be useful; an online prescription is not a substitute for those checks.
Key Takeaways
- Repeated erection problems can have several possible causes.
- A clinician may assess general health and current medicines.
- Treatment depends on the cause and individual circumstances.
- Some erection medicines interact dangerously with nitrate medicines.
Sources & further reading
General health information; speak with a qualified healthcare professional for advice about your own care.