FAQs

1. Why me?

   Many men take their ability to get and keep a good erection for granted. So it can come as a shock to find that you can't rely on your penis any longer. Try not to get stressed by it or let it undermine your self-esteem. Effective treatments exist for ED and you can be optimistic that with the right support, you'll be able to return to full sexual health.

2. Does having erectile dysfunction mean I'm not virile?

   It's easy to think that getting an erection is a marker of masculinity - and feel upset when it doesn't happen. That's the wrong approach. Remember, ED is a common health problem affecting many, if not most, men at some time in their lives. So if ED were a reflection of a lack of virility, there'd be hardly any virile men around!

3. Isn't erectile dysfunction a normal part of growing old?

   It doesn't have to be. Although ED is more common among older men than younger men, there are still plenty of 90 year olds who have no trouble in getting erections. The higher rate of sexual problems in older men is partly because they're more likely to have high blood pressure or diabetes - both strongly linked with ED - so make sure you get checked out for these conditions.

4. Is there a test for erectile dysfunction?

   No. To find out if you have ED, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your health and your lifestyle. This will help you and your doctor learn what's causing your ED, and what treatments may help.

5. How do I tell my partner about my erectile dysfunction?

   Be open about your feelings and how your sexual problems are affecting you. The chances are your partner will be relieved to find out that your apparent lack of interest in sex is because you have ED, a recognised medical condition. Tell them there are several treatments for ED and talk about ways to give sexual satisfaction in the meantime that don't involve penetration.

6. Will I always need to take medication?

   Not necessarily. Sometimes, medication for ED can kick-start a return to normal sexual health.

7. Does erectile dysfunction mean that I've lost interest in sex?

   In most cases, men keep their desire and interest in sex as well as their ability to have an orgasm. It simply relates to a difficulty with getting and maintaining an erection - which is only part of the love-making act.

8. Isn't it best to just ignore erectile dysfunction?

   It's always important to see a doctor about erection problems. As well as being a significant source of stress on yourself and your partner, ED can be an early sign of a serious health problem such as heart disease or diabetes.

9. How do medicines for erectile dysfunction work?

   Medicines forerectile dysfunction work by allowing the rush of blood that is required to the penis to achieve an erection. In order for these medicines to work, you need to be sexually excited but they are not aphrodisiacs and will not increase your sexual desire.

10. Will tablets for erectile dysfunction be suitable for me?

    The PDE-5 medications, which come as tablets, are suitable for most men, but there are some exceptions. You should not use them if you have heart problems, for instance.