Health Topics A-Z

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.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Erectile dysfunction is linked with anxiety or threatens your sexual relationship. At a minimum, your physician 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 physician 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 (Peyronie's Disease).