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Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

Overview

Open all pages about Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is not being able to get or keep an erection.

Erectile dysfunction is often linked to stress, tiredness or alcohol. It can also be caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, stopping smoking and reducing stress can sometimes help with erectile dysfunction.

To find out what may be causing your erectile dysfunction a doctor or nurse will do some health checks and ask about your lifestyle and relationships.

The main treatments for erectile dysfunction are medicines and vacuum pumps that increase blood flow to your penis.

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is very common, particularly in men over 40. It's usually nothing to worry about, but see a GP if it keeps happening.

Page last reviewed: 28/07/2023
Next review due: 28/07/2026