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Erection problems

Questions to ask your doctor

If you have erection problems, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more. And it's likely that your doctor will want to ask you some questions, too.

Here are some questions you might want to ask

Do you think my erection problems have a physical cause?
Are there any changes in my lifestyle that would help my erection problems?
Am I taking any medications that could make it difficult for me to get erections?
Could Viagra (or a drug like it) help me?
Am I taking any medications that would make it dangerous for me to take Viagra (or a similar drug)?
Do I have any health problems that would make it dangerous for me to take Viagra (or a similar drug)?
Is Viagra (or a similar drug) the best treatment for my problems, or should I try something else?
Is it likely that stress has caused my erection problems?
Would it help to talk to a medical professional about how I feel about my erection problems?
Should I see someone with my partner?

Here are some questions your doctor may ask you

Your doctor might ask the following questions to find out more about your erection problems.

Source:
Miller TA.
Diagnostic evaluation of erectile dysfunction.
American Family Physician. 2000; 61: 95-104, 109-110.

When was the last time you had an erection that was firm enough for sex?
When did the problem start?
Did it happen gradually or suddenly?
How often do you have problems getting an erection? Do you have erections at all?
How firm are your erections?
Does the problem seem to happen with a particular person or in a particular place?
Do you get erections while you're asleep or first thing in the morning?
Do you get an erection if you masturbate (pleasure yourself)?
Have you lost interest in sex?
Do you have any problems

ejaculation
When a man ejaculates, his penis suddenly releases semen, the white or transparent fluid that carries sperm.

ejaculating?
Do you have

diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that causes too much sugar to circulate in your blood. It happens when your body stops making a hormone called insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when insulin stops working (type 2 diabetes).

diabetes,

heart disease
You get heart disease when your heart isn't able to pump blood as well as it should. This can happen for a variety of reasons.

heart disease or another long-term medical condition?
Are you taking any medications or supplements?
Do you use marijuana, cocaine or other illegal (or "recreational") drugs?
Do you smoke?
Do you have any problems in your relationship?
Is anything in your life stressful?
How long do you think it's normal to have an erection for?

Sources for the information on this page:

Miller TA.Diagnostic evaluation of erectile dysfunction.American Family Physician. 2000; 61: 95-104, 109-110.

This information was last updated on Oct 13, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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