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Erectile dysfunction

Difficulty getting or keeping an erection. Common, treatable, often physical.

Speak to a GP about erectile dysfunctionFrom £79
A doctor consulting about Erectile dysfunction

In short

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects around half of UK men aged 40-70 at some point. Most cases respond well to treatment. A GP can help identify whether the cause is physical, psychological, or both, and prescribe medication where appropriate.

Overview

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when you can't get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It's very common, especially in men over 40. Causes are usually a mix of physical (heart, blood pressure, diabetes, hormones) and psychological (stress, anxiety, relationship issues). Importantly, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, which is why a proper assessment matters.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Difficulty getting an erection
  • Difficulty keeping an erection during sex
  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Occasional issues during particularly stressful periods

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a private GP if symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, are affecting your relationship or wellbeing, or you want to rule out an underlying cause. ED can be the first sign of conditions like cardiovascular disease or undiagnosed diabetes, so most cases benefit from medical assessment.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Chest pain during sex or physical exertion
  • Sudden severe headache during sex (call 999)
  • A prolonged painful erection lasting over 4 hours (priapism, go to A&E immediately)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Discussion of your symptoms and lifestyle
  • Review of medical history and any medications you take
  • Blood pressure check (in-person appointments)
  • Where appropriate, prescription of a PDE5 inhibitor such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil
  • Lifestyle advice on factors that can affect erections (smoking, alcohol, weight, sleep)
  • Onward referral if specialist input is needed

What we don't do

  • Provide controlled drugs
  • Diagnose or treat conditions outside the scope of primary care

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about erectile dysfunction starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about erectile dysfunction

Is erectile dysfunction treatable?
In most cases yes. PDE5 inhibitor medications work for around 70% of men. Treating any underlying physical cause (high blood pressure, diabetes, hormone imbalance) can also resolve symptoms.
Will the GP need to examine me?
Often the consultation can be done through history alone, but a blood pressure check and sometimes a physical exam helps identify underlying causes. For an online consultation we may ask you to take BP readings at a pharmacy.
How long does an ED prescription last?
Initial prescriptions are typically for 1-3 months. After that, repeat prescriptions can be arranged with regular reviews.
Can I take ED medication if I have heart problems?
Sometimes yes, but PDE5 inhibitors interact dangerously with nitrate medications used for angina. Always discuss your full medical history with the GP before being prescribed.
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Ready to talk to a GP about erectile dysfunction?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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