Urological Health Penis Health Erectile Dysfunction Print Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction By Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio, OTR/L twitter linkedin Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist and advocate for patients with Lyme disease. Learn about our editorial policy Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio, OTR/L Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD on July 18, 2019 facebook linkedin Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywell's Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard N. Fogoros, MD Updated on August 27, 2019 Erectile Dysfunction Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment In This Article Table of Contents Expand Frequent Symptoms Rare Symptoms Complications When to See a Doctor View All While a single episode of the inability to maintain an erection may be nothing to worry about, repeated instances of erectile dysfunction (ED) can wreak havoc on your personal life. Don’t wait to talk to your doctor about what you’re experiencing. There are treatment options available to you. Your doctor will rule out whether your ED is due to an underlying medical condition and discuss the appropriate course of action and next steps for you. Illustration by Joshua Seong. © Verywell, 2018. Frequent Symptoms Erectile dysfunction is a common problem among men, and the signs and symptoms may differ from person to person. One man may be able to sustain an erection for short periods of time, while another man might exhibit a complete inability to achieve an erection. Nevertheless, the key to recovering from ED is to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms and promptly get help. Difficulty Achieving an Erection The primary symptom of ED is the inability to achieve an adequate erection to have sex when you desire it. ED may be a short-term or long-term problem for you. But it can persist to such a degree that it eventually begins to interfere with your relationships. An intermittent problem with getting an erection may be considered a normal part of life. But if your ability to achieve an erection becomes unpredictable, meaning it’s not possible to get one during the times when you want to have sex, you may be looking at a symptom of ED—even if you’re able to get an erection once in awhile. Inability to Sustain an Erection Maybe you can get an erection, but you quickly find it doesn’t last long enough to complete sex or truly enjoy it. Even though ED isn’t always an easy topic to discuss, you’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), approximately 30 million men are living with ED in the United States. By age 40, the condition becomes more frequent as men age. It’s important to make mention that ED can be associated with stress, hormones, emotional well-being, the nervous system, muscle tone, circulation, medications, and more. While there may be a simple explanation for the inability to maintain an erection, sexual arousal is a complex function of the body, so it’s in your best interest to consult with your doctor if you’re regularly having trouble sustaining an erection and having pleasurable sex. Inability to Have an Erection Some men may have trouble getting an erection at all, which may lead to feelings of distress, guilt, embarrassment, shame, or other difficult emotions. If you find yourself in this situation, you may also feel like your inability to have sex profoundly impacts your relationships with your partner, affects your self-esteem, and reduces your overall sense of health and well-being. A mix of physical and psychological factors may contribute to ED. For example, a physical ailment could impede your body’s ability to get an erection. This may create anxiety and further compound the problem of ED. The good news is that many healthcare providers and urologists are equipped to discuss and treat ED. While ED is more common in aging men, it’s entirely possible to have a healthy sex life well into your mature years. Rare Symptoms An article in Current Sexual Health Reports suggests there may be some additional symptoms associated with ED. In fact, ED may be connected to increased incidences of coronary artery disease (CAD). Previously published studies identified a two to five-year time frame from when the initial ED symptoms occurred until the onset of CAD. Additionally, risk factors for peripheral arterial disease and strokes may rise in men with ED. The article urges all men who have symptoms of ED to take a proactive approach to healthcare and get screened for CAD and related conditions. Other symptoms that may be related to ED include:Premature ejaculationDelayed ejaculationInability to ejaculateReduced libido or sex driveA dysfunction in the muscles of the pelvic floorTrauma to the pelvis, such as pelvic fracturesFailure to become aroused after sufficient stimulation, which is a condition known as anorgasmia.Low levels of the hormone testosterone Complications Erectile dysfunction can interfere with more than just the sexual aspects of a man’s life. It can lead to intense psychological and relationship distress and impact a man’s self-esteem. Complications of erectile dysfunction include: Relationship troubles and lack of intimacyDifficulty getting your partner pregnantIncreased stressDepressionAnxietyLow self-esteem or low self-worthFeeling discouraged by an unsatisfying sex life While ED may contribute to psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and low self-worth, those same symptoms may be an underlying cause of ED, which can lead to a vicious cycle and worsen the condition. When to See a Doctor If the inability to get or maintain an erection happens to you once or twice, you may not need to see a doctor. Many lifestyle factors, such as stress or drinking too much alcohol, can affect your sexual ability. If you notice the problem is happening on a routine basis and it’s impacting your ability to have a satisfying sex life, then it’s time to consider seeing a doctor. Although it’s not always comfortable to discuss the topic of ED with a healthcare provider, most likely, your doctor has several patients with similar problems and has had many discussions about sexual health with them—after all, sex is an integral part of life. Erectile Dysfunction Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. The primary reason for seeking out the advice of a qualified healthcare professional is because there are a variety of options available to treat ED. There’s no need for you to suffer in silence, and your doctor can help you determine which treatment option is right for you. It is also important to see a doctor is to diagnose or rule out any underlying causes of ED. If your physician can pinpoint the origin of the problem, this may significantly reduce or eliminate incidences of ED and enhance your sex life. Treatments for ED are always evolving, so don’t delay getting the help that you need. Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction Avoidable? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction. Published July 2017. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases. Definition and Facts for Erectile Dysfunction. Published July 2017. Pastuszak AW. Current Diagnosis and Management of Erectile Dysfunction. Current Sexual Health Reports. 2014 Sep; 6(3): 164–176. doi:10.1007/s11930-014-0023-9 Jackson G, Boon N, Eardley I, et al. Erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease prediction: evidence-based guidance and consensus. Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(7):848-57. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2010.02410.x Lotti F, Maggi M. Sexual dysfunction and male infertility. Nat Rev Urol. 2018;15(5):287-307. doi:10.1038/nrurol.2018.20 Additional Reading Mayo Clinic. Erectile Dysfunction. Published March 09, 2018.