Erectile Difficulties

There are several possible causes for erectile difficulties. These can include both physical and psychological factors. Some of the factors that can contribute to erectile difficulties include:

Physical Factors

• problems with blood circulation to the penis
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart conditions (heart disease)
• poor circulation
• low testosterone
• nerve damage (e.g., from prostate surgery)
• Parkinson’s disease

Psychological Factors

• being nervous about having sex (especially with a new partner)
• feeling uncomfortable talking about sex with your partner
• having relationship problems (not as easy to get aroused)
• depression

Lifestyle Factors

• poor diet
• not getting enough sleep
• exercising regularly
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol

Medicines that may interfere with an erection may include some:

• antidepressants
• blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers)
• heart medications (e.g., digoxin)
• sleeping pills
• peptic ulcer medications
• If you think that a medicine you are taking may have something to do with your erection difficulties, DO NOT stop taking your medicine or take less of it without talking to your doctor first. In many cases, your doctor can change the medicine you are taking or adjust the dose so that your erections are not affected.

Things you can do to deal with, and avoid, erectile problems:

• eat a healthy diet
• stop smoking or cut down
• avoid using drugs
• get enough sleep
• avoid too much stress
• limit the amount of alcohol you drink, especially before having sex
• during sex, take your mind off your penis and pay attention instead to kissing and touching your partner. The less you worry about having an erection, the more likely you are to get one.
• try to talk openly and honestly with your partner about your sex life together including the pressure you may be feeling about having erections.

Getting Help for Erectile Difficulties

See your doctor if you find it lasts longer than two months, or keeps coming back. Or, ask for a referral to a doctor who specializes in this area. You can undergo medical tests to find out if there is a physical cause for your erectile difficulties.