Erectile dysfunction treatment

Disclaimer: This self‑check questionnaire is for education only. It does not diagnose erectile dysfunction or recommend a specific treatment. If you are unsure, symptoms persist, or you have other health conditions, consult a qualified doctor.

Across regions—from South Asia and the Middle East to Europe, Africa, and North America—men seek clear, private ways to understand erection problems and the range of erectile dysfunction treatment pathways. The self‑check below helps you organize symptoms, timing, and risk factors before speaking with a clinician.

Questionnaire

Tick the items that apply to you over the past 3–6 months:

• Difficulty getting an erection during sexual activity.
• Difficulty maintaining an erection long enough for intercourse.
• Reduced rigidity compared with earlier years.
• Morning erections occur less often than before.
• Symptoms began gradually rather than suddenly.
• Symptoms vary by situation or partner.
• Performance anxiety or stress around intimacy.
• Low sexual desire compared with your usual level.
• Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease).
• Smoking, vaping, or regular alcohol use.
• Recent weight gain or limited physical activity.
• Sleep problems, including snoring or suspected sleep apnea.
• Pelvic, prostate, or spinal surgery or injury.
• Use of medications that may affect erections (e.g., some antidepressants).
• Hormonal concerns (fatigue, reduced muscle mass).
• Relationship difficulties or mood changes.

How to interpret answers

This is not a diagnosis—only a way to decide how urgently to seek help.

• Low reason to seek help: 1–3 items, situational or short‑term, improving with rest or stress reduction.
• Medium reason to seek help: 4–7 items, recurring for several months, or affecting confidence and relationships.
• High reason to seek help: 8+ items, persistent symptoms, chronic disease, or post‑surgery changes.

Next steps: what to do

1. Self‑monitor: Note when symptoms occur, triggers, and variability.
2. Record basics: Sleep, exercise, alcohol, smoking, stress levels.
3. Review medications: List all prescriptions and supplements.
4. Choose a specialist: Start with a primary care doctor; they may refer to a urologist or endocrinologist.
5. Prepare questions: Ask about lifestyle measures, counseling, and medical options.
6. Discuss safety: Mention heart health and any chest pain history.
7. Follow up: Track changes after any agreed plan.

FAQ

• Is erectile dysfunction common? Yes. Prevalence increases with age and varies by region and health factors.
• Can stress alone affect erections? Stress and anxiety can play a major role, even without medical illness.
• Are lifestyle changes part of erectile dysfunction treatment? Often yes—sleep, exercise, and quitting smoking matter.
• Do heart conditions matter? Vascular health is closely linked; discuss safety with a doctor.
• Is counseling useful? Psychological support can help when anxiety or relationship factors contribute.
• Are online questionnaires reliable? They help organize symptoms but cannot diagnose.
• When should I seek urgent care? If erection problems accompany chest pain or new neurological symptoms.

For regional health perspectives and updates, explore our coverage:
Health & Fitness insights from South Asia,
Middle East wellness and men’s health, and
Europe health policy and clinical trends.

Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines
• Mayo Clinic