This will involve answering questions about your symptoms, as well as a physical examination and some simple tests. Your GP can usually diagnose erectile dysfunction. Read more about the causes of erectile dysfunction DiagnosisĪlthough you may be embarrassed, it’s important to get a diagnosis so that the cause can be identified. If you are unable to get an erection under any circumstances, it is likely that the underlying cause is physical.Įrectile dysfunction can also be a side-effect of using certain medicines. If this is the case, it is likely the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological (stress related). For example, you may be able to get an erection during masturbation, or you may find that you sometimes wake up with an erection but you are unable to get an erection with your sexual partner. Sometimes erectile dysfunction only occurs in certain situations. narrowing of the blood vessels going to the penis – commonly associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol or diabetes.Find your local GP practice Why does erectile dysfunction happen?Įrectile dysfunction can have a range of causes, both physical and psychological.
