Taking On Erectile Dysfunction

What if you can still get an erection some of the time -- under certain circumstances? Or you can get hard for awhile -- but not stay that way? Is it still erectile dysfunction, or is it something else -- like a problem with your sex life?  

That's what one man in the WebMD Erectile Dysfunction Community wonders. He's been married for many years, and sex has become routine and predictable. Now, he's noticed that although he can get an erection while masturbating without difficulty, it is increasingly challenging to get and maintain an erection during foreplay and intercourse with his wife. "Does this indicate I have normal blood flow to the penis, but that 'real' sex is actually a psychological problem?" he asks. His wife wants him to try an ED medication, but he’s not sure about it.

Others suggest going along with his wife's suggestion. One man says that overall, he's been pleased with the results, but he cautions about side effects he's experienced -- like headaches, sensitivity to light, and grogginess the next day.

One man advises opening up a conversation with your partner if you're having trouble. He advises to focus on the positive and talk about what you like most. The best situation is having a partner who is willing to listen -- if you're willing to ask. That in itself can be a turn-on, he says.

A 59-year-old man worries because he's recently been experiencing lessened sensation during sex, and it is more difficult to become aroused. He wonders if an ED medication might help.

Sheldon Marks, MD, says that although some decrease in sensation is common as men get older, an ED medication may help. He also recommends changing positions to increase contact and pressure. But most important, he advises, is a visit to your primary care doctor.

Many serious health conditions may play a role in ED, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid, or liver problems. On a visit to the doctor, you can get checked for these conditions and talk with your doctor about options to treat your ED.