Erectile dysfunction or low libido? Signs and symptoms

Do I have erectile dysfunction or low libido?

A loss of libido (low sex drive) is a decreased desire for or a complete lack of interest in sexual activity. 

Low libido can occur alongside erectile dysfunction, and they often share the same causes, such as low testosterone, tiredness, substance abuse, and stress. This overlap can sometimes make it harder to distinguish between the two conditions.

The difference is men with low libido can still achieve or maintain an erection. Whereas men with erectile dysfunction are often unable to achieve or maintain an erection even when they desire to engage in sexual activity.

If you’re unsure of your condition, it is always best to speak to your GP for a diagnosis.

Do I have erectile dysfunction, or am I just stressed?

Various physical and psychological factors, such as stress and fatigue, can lead to occasional difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.

You might occasionally experience temporary erection issues without having erectile dysfunction. If you notice a recurring pattern of these problems or if they become more frequent, it is always best to consult your GP.

You can find some helpful ways to deal with sudden erectile dysfunction in our article Tackling Sudden Erectile Dysfunction.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

• Being unable to achieve an erection (penis remains flaccid after sexual stimulation)

• Being unable to maintain an erection (penis is unable to stay hard for long enough to engage in sexual activity)

Some men with erectile dysfunction may still be able to achieve an erection, but not one that is firm enough to engage in sexual activity or firm enough for a long enough time to engage in sexual activity.

What are the signs of erectile dysfunction?

The signs of erectile dysfunction include frequently being unable to achieve or maintain an erection for long enough to engage in sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction can cause a loss of self-esteem and relationship issues. 

You may also notice that your erectile dysfunction is causing a decreased desire to engage in sexual activity (low libido).

If you are experiencing any of these signs, please consult a healthcare professional.

What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

While the precise cause of erectile dysfunction isn’t always immediately obvious, there is always a reason for it, whether physiological, psychological, pharmacological or lifestyle related. 

Men with health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, nerve damage, hormone imbalance and obesity can experience erectile dysfunction. 

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction can include stress, depression, anxiety, and relationship conflict.

It can also be caused by drug and alcohol abuse, antidepressant medication, blood pressure medication and anti-cancer drugs. 

You can discover the most common physical, psychological, and medication-related causes of erectile dysfunction in our article, 10 common causes of erectile dysfunction.

Is erectile dysfunction temporary?

Erectile dysfunction is not always permanent.

Men can experience erectile dysfunction temporarily, and it can sometimes be cured if the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction is addressed. 

This can include losing weight and reaching a healthy BMI, recovering from alcohol or drug abuse, therapy, exercise, coming off of specific medication, and reducing your stress levels.

Find out more ways that men have managed to cure their erectile dysfunction in our article, Is there a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction?

How do I check myself for erectile dysfunction?

If you’re frequently unable to achieve or maintain an erection, the best way to check if you have erectile dysfunction is to book an appointment with your GP.

If you have noticed that you have a sudden inability to maintain or achieve an erection, your GP will be able to check for any apparent causes.

If you need an immediate way to manage your erectile dysfunction symptoms, your GP or pharmacist could see if you’re eligible for erectile dysfunction medication.

There are many erectile dysfunction medications available in the UK to help treat and manage erectile dysfunction. 

Erectile dysfunction medications range in types, from over-the-counter, daily, taken-as-needed, and prescription, and dosages range from low to high so that you can explore the most suitable option with your GP or healthcare provider. 

Popular erectile dysfunction treatments include prescription-only medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Vardenafil or over-the-counter medications such as Cialis Together or Viagra Connect.

For more information on erectile dysfunction medications, you can visit our erectile dysfunction treatments page or read our article, How to access erectile dysfunction treatment in the UK.

Advice and information to help erectile dysfunction