Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Young adult man.

Young adult man.
beginning of content

Erectile dysfunction

4-minute read

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, means not being able to obtain or keep an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse. Many men have erectile dysfunction at some time in their lives. It can come and go.

It is estimated erection problems affect about 1 in every 5 men over the age of 40. About 1 in 10 men cannot have erections. The problem is more common in older men.

Erectile dysfunction is also called impotence.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can have a range of causes, both physical and psychological. It is usually a combination of both. Sometimes there is no clear cause.

Physical factors that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

Psychological factors that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

  • unresolved problems, conflicts or issues within a sexual and emotional relationship
  • anxiety about sexual performance (this is most common at the start of a new relationship, especially if a man has had previous problems with sexual performance)
  • stress
  • problems with mental health such as depression

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our sexual health and lower body Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

When should I see my doctor?

Many men experience erection problems from time to time. But if the problems continue, see your doctor. Diagnosing and treating causes like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol can prevent or delay erectile dysfunction, or stop problems from getting worse.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Our Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use our Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

Your doctor will first treat any underlying health conditions that may be causing your erectile dysfunction. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet and exercising regularly.

Usually more than one treatment is needed to fix the problem. You may need treatment for both the physical and psychological causes. Although erectile dysfunction usually can’t be completely cured, there are treatments that will allow you to get an erection so you can have sex.

Erection pills

Erectile dysfunction is most often treated with erection medications such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Spedra (avanafil).

These erection pills work by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis, causing an erection. This can increase both the number and duration of erections. However, they are not aphrodisiacs and do not increase libido (interest in sex). They do not work in all men. You should not take these medicines if you are also taking other nitrate medicines, used to treat chest pain.

Buying medicines for erectile dysfunction

Erection pills should be obtained only from an authorised Australian prescriber, such as your doctor, specialist nurse or erectile specialist.

Medicines bought on the internet may be of poor quality and may contain ingredients that are not safe when taken in combination with other medicines you are on. They may also be unsafe due to other health problems you have.

If you are worried that you might have bought counterfeit (fake) medicines, then report it to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Injections

Sometimes medicines may be injected into the penis when an erection is wanted. It is possible for men to inject themselves, but they need to be shown how by a health professional.

Other physical treatments

Devices can be used to create an erection, such as penile rings, a penis implant or a penis pump. Sometimes surgery is needed to fit these.

Psychological treatments

Treating erectile dysfunction that is caused by psychological factors could involve counselling, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, or sex therapy undertaken with your partner.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease show that even if you don’t want to have sex, it can still be treated as a barometer of your overall health.

Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website

Erectile Dysfunction: Impact on Other Diseases and Conditions | myVMC

Erectile dysfunction is associated with many systemic health conditions, which affect a man's physical health, can impact negatively on the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and in some cases are life-threatening.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Erectile Dysfunction | myVMC

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to develop or maintain an erection rigid enough to allow penetration of the vagina, and therefore functional sexual intercourse.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Erectile Dysfunction - Causes & Treatment | Healthy Male

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man may have trouble getting or maintaining an erection.

Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website

Erectile dysfunction: visiting your doctor - MyDr.com.au

Find out what questions a doctor may ask when discussing erectile dysfunction (ED, or impotence). Also, see what tests may be recommended.

Read more on myDr website

Impotence causes - MyDr.com.au

Find out the physical and psychological causes of impotence, also called erectile dysfunction or ED.

Read more on myDr website

Impotence treatments - MyDr.com.au

If you have impotence (erectile dysfunction), the treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your impotence.

Read more on myDr website

How do stress and anxiety affect sexual performance and erectile dysfunction? | Healthy Male

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is completely normal and expected to feel a certain level of stress and anxiety. The current situation may impact our mental and physical health in different ways.  

Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website

Sex Therapy | myVMC

Sex therapy refers to a group of treatments which are used to resolve sexual difficulties, for example difficulties relating to sexual desire, arousal and ability to orgasm.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Sex and the ageing process - MyDr.com.au

Most older people are able to enjoy an active and satisfying sex life.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.