Erectile dysfunction

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Erectile dysfunction is when a man keeps having difficulty getting or keeping an erection. He may then have difficulty having sex or performing other sexual activities such as masturbation.

Erection problems are very common. The Sexual Dysfunction Association estimates that 1 in 10 men in the UK have recurring problems with their erections at some point in their life.

Most men have difficulty getting an erection from time to time, due to stress, tiredness, drinking too much alcohol, or simply not being in the mood. If it only happens now and again, then itâ€™s usually nothing to worry about. But if you keep finding yourself unable to get or keep an erection and itâ€™s preventing you carrying out your normal sex life, disrupting your relationship, or making you depressed, you should seek help from your GP. Many men are too embarrassed to talk about problems with their erections, or are worried about wasting their GPâ€™s time. But it is worth seeking help, because your doctor will often be able to give you some simple advice or treatment that could solve the problem.

Please see the separate articles for information on ejaculation problems, priapism (painful persistent erection), and infertility.