Learn about Erection problems symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Erection problems

What are the symptoms of erection problems?

If you have erection problems, you can't get or keep erections stiff enough to have sex that you and your partner find satisfying.

Erection problems can mean you:

Source:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Erectile dysfunction.
Available at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/ (13 August 2009).

Can't get an erection at all
Can't get an erection sometimes
Can get an erection, but only for a short period and not long enough to have sex that you and your partner find satisfying
Can get an erection, but it's not hard enough to have sex that you and your partner find satisfying.

Erection problems are not:

Losing interest in sex (having a low libido), although this can make it more difficult to get an erection
ejaculation
When a man ejaculates, his penis suddenly releases semen, the white or transparent fluid that carries sperm.

Ejaculating too soon when you have sex. This is a different problem called premature ejaculation.

There's a list of questions called the International Index of Erectile Function that you and your doctor can use to find out more about your erection problems.

Source:
Rosen RC, Riley A, Wagner G, et al.
The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction.
Urology. 1997; 49: 822-830.

² The following questions are taken from the list.

How easy did you find it to get an erection?
When you had an erection, was it usually hard enough to have sexual intercourse?
When you had sex, how often were you able to have sexual intercourse (enter your partner)?
When you were having sex, did your erection last until you finished?
Was sex usually enjoyable?
How often were you able to get an erection during sex?
How many times have you tried to have sex?
Have you lost some of your interest in sex?

Sources for the information on this page:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Erectile dysfunction.Available at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/ (13 August 2009).

Rosen RC, Riley A, Wagner G, et al.The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction.Urology. 1997; 49: 822-830.

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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