Understanding erectile dysfunction - symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Being unable to have or keep an erection is the defining mark of erectile dysfunction. The problem may manifest itself in several ways. If the dysfunction:

• Is transient or appearing only occasionally, the problem is not likely to be serious; all men experience problems with erections at some time in their lives.
• Develops gradually and persistently, there is probably a physical cause; this is generally the case with chronic impotence.
• Develops abruptly, but you still have early-morning erections and are able to have an erection while masturbating, the problem is likely to have a psychological component.

Speak to your doctor if:

• Erectile dysfunction is linked with anxiety or threatens your sexual relationship. At the very least, your doctor can help clear up misinformation, which commonly exacerbates sexual problems.
• Erectile dysfunction persists. Physical causes can be early warning signs of more general, potentially dangerous conditions; for example, narrowing of the penile artery may indicate coronary artery disease. For the dysfunction itself, a doctor may suggest a medication that will allow for normal erections or might advise the use of a mechanical device if there is no cure.
• Erection problems are associated with pain or penile curvature (a condition called Peyronie’s disease).