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Erectile dysfunction

9-minute read

Key facts

  • Erectile dysfunction (also known as ED or impotence) is when you can't get or keep an erection, leading to problems with sexual intercourse.
  • Erectile dysfunction is very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 males.
  • Erectile dysfunction can have a range of causes, both physical and psychological.
  • There are medicines and other therapies that help males get and keep an erection.
  • Your doctor can do a health check and prescribe an ED medicine if suitable.
  • Other ED treatment options include lifestyle changes, counselling, injections or medical devices.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means not being able to get or keep an erection — this may cause problems for sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction is also known as ED or impotence.

Many people have ED at some time in their lives. It can come and go. More than 1 in every 10 males cannot have erections. The problem is more common as you get older. There may be underlying causes contributing to erectile dysfunction.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include difficulty:

Erectile dysfunction does not include problems with:

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can have a range of causes — physical, psychological or a combination. Sometimes it only happens in certain situations. The cause may not always be clear.

Problems with the male reproductive system that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

Physical factors that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

Chronic health conditions that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include:

Psychological factors that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

When should I see my doctor?

Many people experience erection problems from time to time. If you only have occasional erection problems, you might not need to get medical help. But if the problems continue or you have any concerns, see your doctor.

Often, erectile dysfunction is the first sign of certain medical problems such as:

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How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

To diagnose erectile dysfunction, your doctor will ask about your:

Sometimes your doctor will also offer to talk to your sexual partner to consider other possible causes. They will then do a physical examination. They may refer you for blood tests or imaging scans, such as ultrasound.

Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist, such as a urologist, for assessment or treatment.

Diagnosing and treating these problems early can help identify underlying causes for ED and treat your symptoms. It can also reduce your chance of complications from the conditions themselves.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

Your doctor will first treat any underlying conditions that may be causing ED.

They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

More than one treatment may be needed to fix the problem. You may need treatment for both the physical and psychological causes.

Sometimes, ED can't be completely cured. Usually, treatments will allow you to get an erection so you can have sexual intercourse. It is important to understand that treatment cannot fix things that have always been an issue, such as problems with ejaculation or sensation.

Psychological treatments

Your doctor may recommend therapy if your erectile dysfunction is caused or triggered by psychological factors. Examples include cognitive behavioural therapy, or sex therapy, and may also include your partner.

Your GP, psychologist or a mental health professional may be able to provide some form of therapy. Trained sex therapists can offer specialised education and counselling.

Medicines

Erectile dysfunction is most often treated with erection medicines such as:

You will need to take these medicines a couple hours before having sex. They work by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis. This allows blood to flow into the penis, making it easier to get an erection. They do not cause you to have an erection without sexual stimulation or activity.

Medicines can increase both the number and duration of erections, but they do not increase libido (interest in sex). They do not work for everyone.

Make sure to check with your GP before using any erectile medicines, as they may interact with other medicines. Do not take these medicines if you are also taking other nitrate medicines, used to treat chest pain. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.

Read more on erectile dysfunction medicines.

Buying medicines for erectile dysfunction

You need a prescription from your doctor to buy medicines for erectile dysfunction. You can buy these medicines from a store-based pharmacy or reputable online pharmacy with a prescription.

Medicines bought on the internet without a prescription may be of poor quality or not contain the ingredients they claim to. They may contain ingredients that are not safe to take with other medicines you take, or because of certain medical conditions.

If you're concerned about a counterfeit medicine, report it to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Injections

Your doctor might suggest a medicine that you can inject into your penis when you want an erection. Once you learn how to do this from a health professional, you will be able to inject this yourself.

Other physical treatments

There are devices and therapies that you can use to create an erection, including:

Some of these involve surgery to fit the device.

Psychological treatments

Your doctor may recommend therapy if your erectile dysfunction is caused or triggered by psychological factors. Examples include cognitive behavioural therapy, or sex therapy, and may also include your partner.

Your GP, psychologist or a mental health professional may be able to provide some form of therapy. Trained sex therapists can offer specialised education and counselling.

What are the complications of erectile dysfunction?

If you or your partner are unable to achieve or maintain an erection, it can impact your ability to perform sexually and may lead to:

Some medicines and treatment option for erectile dysfunction can cause complications such as:

Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?

There is evidence that some causes of erectile dysfunction can be prevented if you:

Resources and support

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

True provides multilingual information on men's sexual and reproductive health.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has sexual health information and resources.

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