What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when a man is either unable to get an erection or unable to keep an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. Sometimes the erection may not be hard enough for penetration. The man may also experience low libido as well.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Occasionally a man may experience erectile dysfunction and it is not cause for concern. Examples of this include difficulty getting or keeping an erection after alcohol intoxication, when tired or stressed. Some medications can also cause erectile dysfunction.

When a man is experiencing erectile dysfunction regularly which cannot be easily explained it is more of a cause for concern and needs investigation. Some possible causes include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone imbalance, anxiety/depression.

When to seek help?

As stated above, sometimes erectile dysfunction can be caused by certain aspect of a mans lifestyle. Some lifestyle changes may be all that is needed to resolve the problem, therefore the following changes can be made to see if they help:

• weight loss if overweight

• stop smoking

• reduce alcohol intake

• exercise daily

• reduce stress and anxiety

• make healthy dietary changes

If a man has a persistent problem with erectile dysfunction, they should seek medical advice. Wizard Clinics offer a blood test which checks cholesterol, diabetes, hormones, prostate and thyroid and the results of these will be reviewed by a doctor and sent directly to your personal email within 48 hours. You can then send the results to your GP for them to use to help understand the cause of the erectile dysfunction and make the best care plan for you.