Experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) for the first time can be worrying, particularly if you have never had problems getting or maintaining an erection before. However, one episode does not necessarily mean you have a long-term sexual health problem.
Erections can be affected by a wide range of physical and psychological factors, from stress and tiredness to alcohol, medication and underlying health conditions. It’s important not to panic, but to consider what might have caused the problem and what you should do next.
Don’t panic after one episode of erectile dysfunction
Occasional difficulty getting or keeping an erection is relatively common. If you have been particularly tired, stressed, anxious or have drunk more alcohol than usual, these factors could temporarily affect your ability to get an erection.
Worrying about the experience can also make matters worse. You may become concerned that it will happen again, which can create performance anxiety the next time you have sex.
Try not to treat one unsuccessful sexual experience as proof that something is seriously wrong. Instead, pay attention to whether the problem happens repeatedly.
Think about what has changed
If you have suddenly experienced ED, think about what has been happening in your life recently.
Have you been under more pressure at work? Are you sleeping badly? Have you been drinking more alcohol? Have you started taking a new medication? Are you feeling anxious about sex or your relationship?
Lifestyle factors can also play a role in erectile function. Smoking, being overweight, a lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to difficulties with erections.
Identifying a possible trigger does not necessarily mean you have found the definitive cause, but it can give you useful information about what might need to change.
Don’t ignore recurring erectile problems
While one episode may not be a cause for concern, repeated erectile difficulties are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
ED can sometimes be associated with conditions affecting blood vessels, nerves or hormones. It can also occur alongside conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
This is one reason why persistent ED should not simply be dismissed as an inevitable part of getting older. It can sometimes provide an opportunity to identify other aspects of your health that need attention.
Could erectile dysfunction treatment help?
If erectile difficulties continue, medication may be an option for some men.Common treatments include PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil. These medicines work by increasing blood flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused, helping you achieve and maintain an erection.
Sildenafil is generally taken when needed, while tadalafil can have a considerably longer window of effectiveness. The right option depends on factors including your health, other medicines you take and how you want to use the treatment.
Some men may also prefer an oral spray formulation of sildenafil. However, treatment should be selected with appropriate professional advice rather than simply choosing a product based on convenience.
Don’t self-diagnose erectile dysfunction
It can be tempting to search online, compare products and immediately assume that medication is the answer. However, ED has many possible causes, and not every treatment is suitable for every man.
For example, sildenafil (the cheap generic version of Viagra) and tadalafil can interact with certain medicines and may not be appropriate for people with particular health conditions.
If you are considering ED medication for the first time, obtaining advice from a suitable healthcare professional or regulated men’s health service can help establish whether treatment is appropriate and which option may be most suitable.
What should you do next?
If this has happened once, try not to panic. Consider factors such as stress, tiredness, alcohol and anxiety, and see whether the problem occurs again.
If erectile difficulties become a recurring problem, seek professional advice rather than simply putting up with it. ED is common and treatable in many cases, and getting help can also provide an opportunity to investigate potential underlying health issues.
Most importantly, don’t let embarrassment stop you from asking for help. Erectile dysfunction is a medical issue, not something you need to be ashamed of. Getting the right advice can help you understand what is happening and identify the most appropriate next step.