ConseilsErection problems: causes, check-up and treatment
Erection problems are common and treatable in most cases. Physical and psychological causes, the link with heart health, what happens at the consultation and the treatments available.
How does an erection happen?
An erection is above all a vascular process. With desire, nerves signal the arteries of the penis to widen. Blood then flows into the two corpora cavernosa, sponge-like tissues that fill with blood. As they swell, they press on the veins and trap the blood: the penis becomes firm.
Anything that damages the arteries (smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol), the nerves or the hormones can disrupt this process. That is why erection problems are closely linked to heart health.
In the diagram (cross-section): A at rest · B during erection
1 Corpus cavernosum · 2 Corpus spongiosum · 3 Urethra · 4 Cavernous artery · 5 Veins
Is erectile dysfunction common?
Yes, it affects many men, especially after 40. It can also be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalance, so a medical check-up matters.
What treatments are available?
Effective treatments exist: managing risk factors, oral medication and other options when needed. The choice is made together with the patient, in full confidentiality.
When should you see a doctor?
These signs should prompt a visit to a urologist:
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection for more than 3 months
- Reduced sex drive
- A bend or pain during erection
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- Diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Anxiety or strain on your relationship
How is it diagnosed?
Confidential discussion
The history of the problem, current medication and personal context, in full confidence.
Clinical examination
General and genital examination, including blood pressure.
Blood tests
Blood sugar, cholesterol and, if needed, testosterone.
Finding the cause
Erection problems can be an early sign of heart and blood-vessel disease, which should be checked.
Treatment options
Treatment is chosen together with you, based on the cause, how severe the symptoms are and what matters to you.
Risk factors
Controlling diabetes and blood pressure, stopping smoking and exercising more are the foundation of treatment.
Oral treatment
Tablets help erections; they are prescribed after checking for heart-related contraindications.
Local injections
An effective option when tablets are not enough.
Support
Psychological or sex therapy, alone or as a couple, when helpful.
Everyday advice
- Never buy these medicines without a prescription: they may be counterfeit or unsafe for your heart
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Have your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked
Articles to learn more
Conseils
ConseilsSemen analysis: how to read the results
Volume, concentration, motility, normal forms… How to prepare for a semen analysis, how to read the WHO reference values, what oligo-, astheno- or teratozoospermia mean, and what to do if a result is abnormal.
ConseilsPhimosis and circumcision: what you need to know
A foreskin that won't pull back, infections, discomfort during sex… Normal versus pathological phimosis, treatment with cream or surgery, paraphimosis, and circumcision under proper medical conditions.
Other areas of expertise
Prostate diseases
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and prostate cancer screening: diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Learn moreKidney stones
Renal colic, kidney or ureteral stones: assessment, treatment and prevention of recurrence.
Learn moreMale infertility
Male fertility assessment, semen analysis, varicocele: finding the causes and offering solutions.
Learn moreUrinary infections & disorders
Recurrent urinary infections, incontinence, blood in the urine: assessment and treatment for men and women.
Learn moreThe information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.