Patient information from BMJ

Erection problems: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Sep 14, 2022

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 medicines that could make it difficult for me to get erections?

• Could Viagra, or a drug like it, help me?

• Am I taking any medicines 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 drugs like Viagra?

• Are drugs like Viagra 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

• 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 ejaculating (when you climax and semen comes out of your penis)?

• Do you have diabetes, heart disease, or another long-term medical condition?

• Are you taking any medicines or supplements?

• Do you use cannabis, cocaine, or other illegal (or 'recreational') drugs?

• Do you smoke?

• Are you having any problems in your relationship?

• Is anything in your life stressful?

• How long do you think it's normal to have an erection for?