Erectile dysfunction treatment

Disclaimer: This self-check questionnaire is for educational purposes only. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace professional medical advice. If you are unsure about your answers, your symptoms persist, or you have concerns about sexual health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Questionnaire

Use the checklist below to reflect on symptoms, duration, possible triggers, and risk factors related to erectile difficulties. Answer honestly based on the past 3–6 months.

• Do you often have difficulty getting an erection firm enough for sexual activity?
• Do you struggle to maintain an erection until completion?
• Have these difficulties lasted longer than 4–6 weeks?
• Do erections occur less frequently than before (including morning erections)?
• Do symptoms vary depending on the partner or situation?
• Have you noticed reduced sexual desire or libido?
• Do stress, anxiety, or performance worries seem to trigger the problem?
• Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease?
• Do you smoke, vape, or use tobacco regularly?
• Do you drink alcohol more than moderately or use recreational drugs?
• Have you gained weight recently or live a mostly sedentary lifestyle?
• Are you taking medications known to affect sexual function (e.g., antidepressants, blood pressure drugs)?
• Have you had pelvic surgery, injury, or radiation therapy in the past?
• Do you experience pain, curvature, or other physical changes in the penis?
• Does fatigue or poor sleep worsen the issue?
• Has the situation caused relationship strain or emotional distress?

How to interpret answers

Your responses can help you gauge whether it may be useful to seek professional advice. This is not a diagnosis.

• Low reason to seek help: Occasional difficulty, short duration, clear situational triggers (e.g., temporary stress), minimal risk factors.
• Medium reason to seek help: Recurrent issues over several weeks, mixed physical and psychological factors, some health or lifestyle risks.
• High reason to seek help: Persistent difficulties for months, absence of spontaneous erections, significant medical conditions, pain, or major emotional impact.

Next steps: what to do

1. Track symptoms: Note frequency, severity, and situations where difficulties occur.
2. Review lifestyle: Assess sleep, exercise, nutrition, alcohol, and smoking habits.
3. List medications: Write down all prescriptions and supplements you take.
4. Choose a specialist: Start with a primary care physician; they may refer you to a urologist or endocrinologist.
5. Prepare questions: Ask about evaluation steps, possible causes, and evidence-based treatment options.
6. Discuss mental health: Anxiety, depression, and relationship stress can play a role.
7. Follow up: Reassess after any recommended changes or treatments.

Situation	Urgency	Action
Occasional difficulty during high stress	Low	Monitor, reduce stress, healthy lifestyle
Problems lasting over 1–2 months	Medium	Book a routine medical appointment
No erections at all or associated pain	High	Seek prompt medical evaluation
ED with chest pain or shortness of breath	Urgent	Seek immediate medical care

FAQ

Is erectile dysfunction common?

Yes. Erectile difficulties affect men of different ages and are more common with increasing age and certain health conditions.

Can lifestyle changes help?

Regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and limiting alcohol and tobacco can support erectile health.

Is ED always physical?

No. Psychological factors such as stress or anxiety can contribute alone or alongside physical causes.

When should I see a doctor?

If symptoms persist, worsen, or cause distress, professional evaluation is recommended.

Are treatments available?

There are multiple evidence-based options, which a healthcare professional can discuss based on individual circumstances.

Can ED signal other health problems?

Sometimes. Erectile issues may be associated with cardiovascular or metabolic conditions, which is why evaluation can be important.

Should I stop medications if I suspect side effects?

No. Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.

Related reading on our site:
health self-check guides,
lifestyle factors and men’s health, and
understanding risk factors in adult health.

Sources

• European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health
• American Urological Association (AUA) — Erectile Dysfunction
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Mayo Clinic — Erectile dysfunction overview