Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is very common, particularly in men and those with a penis over 40. It's usually nothing to worry about, but see a GP if it keeps happening. 

What is erectile dysfunction? 

Erectile dysfunction is when you are either: 

  • unable to get an erection 

  • unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex 

  • Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up. 

Causes of erectile dysfunction 

Most men and those with a penis occasionally fail to get or keep an erection. 

This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. 

It can also be a side effect of some medicines. 

If erectile dysfunction happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as: 

  • high blood pressure or high cholesterol 

  • diabetes 

  • depression or anxiety 

  • hormone problems 

How to navigate erectile dysfunction: 

  • speak with your GP who may be able to offer advice and testing 

  • lose weight if you're overweight 

  • stop smoking 

  • eat a healthy diet 

  • exercise daily 

  • try to reduce stress and anxiety 

When to see a GP or sexual health clinic 

Speak with your GP if your issues getting or staying erect are impacting your sex life and/or mental health. 

Sexual health clinics treat problems with sexual health. They can provide the same treatment you would get at your GP surgery. 

Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. 

They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices. 

Medicines for erectile dysfunction

The main treatments are medicines that increase the blood flow to your penis, called PDE-5 inhibitors. 

These include: 

  • sildenafil (Viagra) 

  • tadalafil (Cialis) 

  • vardenafil (Levitra) 

  • avanafil (Spedra) 

You can get sildenafil on prescription, or you can buy it from a pharmacy. You need a prescription for the other types. 

Treating the cause of erectile dysfunction 

There are also treatments for some of the causes of erectile dysfunction. 

For example: 

  • your doctor may switch you to a different medicine if it's causing your erectile dysfunction 

  • high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hormone problems may be treated with medicine 

  • counselling and therapy can help if your erection problems are linked to emotional or mental health problems – but there can be a long wait for these services on the NHS 

You can also pay to see a counsellor or therapist privately

Counsellors and psychotherapists should be a member of the: 

British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy 

Sex therapists should be a member of the: 

College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) 

Institute of Psychosexual Medicine 

Relate also offers sex therapy for a fee.

Commonly asked questions:

'I can't get or maintain an erection recently; how long should I wait till I see a GP?' 

If this is a new problem, then you should wait for a few weeks as it may settle on its own. If it continues beyond a few weeks, then you should discuss it with your sexual health clinic or GP. 

'Does having erectile dysfunction mean I'll never have sex again?' 

Of course not! - though you may struggle with becoming and staying erect to engage in penetrative sex, you can still enjoy other forms of sex and outercourse such as oral sex and masturbation.