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Erectile dysfunction symptoms

Occasionally failing to achieve an erection or losing an erection before ejaculation isn’t unusual for men of all ages. This generally happens as a result of stress, tiredness, feeling uncomfortable with a particular partner, or because of recreational drug or alcohol use. 

A medical diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is usually only made if you can’t get (or keep) a firm erection and have sex to completion during at least 50% of your sexual acts.

Common ED symptoms

Any of the following issues are usually indicative of underlying medical problems. If you experience any of the symptoms below you should consult with your GP.

• Complete inability to achieve any erection, either alone or with a partner. 
• No spontaneous erections.
• No early morning erections.
• No erections in your sleep. 
• Soft or semi-erections that aren’t firm enough for penetrative sex

If you regularly experience either of the following problems, your ED may be caused by psychological or emotional issues. Your GP will be able to suggest a treatment plan. 

• Inability to attain an erection with a partner, but can get an erection independently.
• Sudden loss of an erection during sex or foreplay.

What is impotence?

Impotence is an old fashioned term for erectile dysfunction. It simply means that you can’t get or maintain a firm erection and have normal penetrative sex. Impotence used to be seen as a serious (and frequently untreatable) condition. Since the discovery of PDE - 5 inhibitors, erectile dysfunction is usually easy to treat with ED tablets.

How to recognise erectile dysfunction symptoms?

Soft or short-lasting erections are usually the first symptoms of impotence. In many cases, erectile dysfunction does not suddenly occur, it is usually a slowly developing condition. You may find that over a period of time, the frequency and quality of your erections decreases. It may be more difficult to achieve an erection and your penis may only become partially erect. This usually suggests a problem with blood flow, particularly if a soft erection occurs when you are sexually aroused and attempt to masturbate while alone.

If you can achieve an erection when alone and aroused, but not with a sexual partner, you may have some underlying psychological issues. Treatment may include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and a trial prescription for a light dosage of erectile dysfunction tablets.

The loss of an erection during sex

If you routinely lose an erection during sex or foreplay, there may be either physical or psychological causes. Your GP will explore the issues with you and suggest a course of treatment. A trial course of ED medication may help. 

Occasional impotence

If you are sometimes able to function normally, and are sometimes impotent, there could be several reasons. These might include stress and fatigue, or issues with your partner - as well as physical problems. If you have a fast acting ED tablet available when you need it , this might be helpful. It’s not uncommon for healthy men to occasionally have trouble with erections and you shouldn’t worry unless it becomes a regular problem.

When you should seek advice

If you experience the symptoms of ED, you can seek help through DoktorABC. When your symptoms are severe, or you have had issues for a long time, our GPs may recommend consulting with a doctor and consider additional medical checkups. 

Erectile dysfunction could be a symptom of more serious medical condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. 

The DoktorABC service allows you to obtain a prescription and treatment for ED treatment online. You may also discreetly consult an online GP using your personal account at DoktorABC if you have any questions about your medication or treatment.