Erection problems - What are the symptoms?

If you have erection problems, you can't get or keep erections stiff enough to have sex that you and your partner find satisfying.

Erection problems can mean you:[1]

Can't get an erection at all
Can't get an erection sometimes
Can get an erection, but only for a short period and not long enough to have sex that you and your partner find satisfying
Can get an erection, but it's not hard enough to have sex that you and your partner find satisfying.

Erection problems are not:

Losing interest in sex (having a low libido), although this can make it more difficult to get an erection
Ejaculating too soon when you have sex. This is a different problem called premature ejaculation.

There is a list of questions called the International Index of Erectile Function that you and your doctor can use to find out more about your erection problems.[2] The following questions are taken from the list.

Over the last four weeks:

How easy did you find it to get an erection?
When you had an erection, was it usually hard enough to have sexual intercourse?
When you had sex, how often were you able to have sexual intercourse (where you entered your partner)?
When you were having sex, did your erection last until you finished?
Was sex usually enjoyable?
How often were you able to get an erection during sex?
How many times have you tried to have sex?
Have you lost some of your interest in sex?

References

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Impotence. National Institutes of Health. 2000
Rosen RC, Riley A, Wagner G, et al. The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. Urology. 1997; 49: 822-830.

Glossary

ejaculation: When a man ejaculates, his penis suddenly releases semen, the white or transparent fluid that carries sperm.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.