How to know if you have erectile dysfunction (ED)

Many people will have difficulty with getting or maintaining an erection at some point in their lives, and changes in libido (sexual desire) are also common over time. This is often temporary and not a cause for concern. But if it’s happening regularly and affecting your life, you might have a condition called erectile dysfunction (ED).

ED can have various effects on your life, affecting you both physically and mentally. If you think you have this condition, consider speaking with a doctor. You can also look out for certain signs and symptoms that can let you know if you have ED.

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Signs and symptoms of ED

True to its name, the key symptom of ED involves your ability to get and keep an erection. It’s defined as difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection that’s adequately firm for sexual intercourse. This can be every time you want to have sex, or it may affect you on and off.

There are several other symptoms that can go along with ED. To diagnose this condition, doctors will often ask various questions about your sexual health and history. Other symptoms include:

• inability to ejaculate during intercourse
• ejaculating too quickly
• reduced libido
• pain or numbness in your penis

You might also experience mental health symptoms related to ED. While ED itself doesn’t directly cause anxiety or depression, it may affect your self-esteem and your sex life. This, in turn, may raise your risk of experiencing conditions like depression.

It’s important to note that ED can affect anyone at some point for various reasons, and occasional symptoms aren’t usually cause for concern. There’s no set time period that defines ED. But some experts suggest that experiencing it for 6 months is enough to signal that you may want to seek a diagnosis.

Doctors usually diagnose ED after speaking with you about your symptoms and history. They may ask you to fill in a questionnaire about your sexual history and how your erections have been functioning. They may also ask about your medical history to see if there’s an underlying condition causing the ED.

In some cases, the doctor might request medical tests to find out if there’s an underlying cause for your ED.

Causes of ED

ED might occur due to underlying physical conditions or psychological factors. It may even happen due to some medications or lifestyle factors.

Some conditions can affect your hormones, nerves, or blood vessels, which may result in difficulty getting an erection. These include:

• low testosterone
• diabetes
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• multiple sclerosis
• an enlarged prostate

Some medications that can lead to ED include:

• antidepressants
• some blood pressure medications
• chemotherapy medications
• sedative medications
• some antihistamines

ED can affect your mental health, but mental health factors (like depression) can also lead to ED. Stress, low self-esteem, and worries about how one perceives their appearance may also contribute to ED.

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of ED. These include:

• having obesity or overweight
• leading a sedentary lifestyle
• drinking alcohol
• smoking

ED treatment

There are several medications that can help manage ED. These include a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Your doctor can determine which one’s right for you. Examples of these include:

• sildenafil (Viagra)
• tadalafil (Cialis)
• vardenafil (Levitra)
• avanafil (Stendra)

If your ED is linked with low testosterone, doctors might recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), often alongside PDE5 inhibitors. This involves prescribing extra testosterone, which can come in different forms:

• Patches: One example includes Androderm.
• Gels: A common example is testosterone gel 1% (Androgel). 
• Injections: Doctors usually prescribe testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) and testosterone enanthate (Xyosted).

If underlying factors, such as your lifestyle, are causing ED, doctors will likely recommend addressing these before starting medical treatment. This may include getting more physical activity and reducing your alcohol consumption (if you drink). You can also try managing stress with strategies like talk therapy and breathing techniques.

If your ED is caused by an existing medical condition, treating this condition will likely lower your ED symptoms.

If ED is due to medications, you can speak with a doctor about alternatives. They may have you switch to a similar drug that causes fewer side effects. Never stop taking a medication without speaking with a doctor first.

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Online care for ED

ED can have huge effects on your mental health and your relationships. Many people may feel shame or taboo surrounding ED, which might mean they’re less likely to seek treatment.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

ED is a common condition, and many people will experience difficulties with erections and libido at some point in their lives. But if it’s happening consistently, this could be a sign that you should consider seeking treatment.

If you experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection consistently or on and off for around 6 months, this may mean you have ED. You might also experience a reduced sex drive or difficulty ejaculating.

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