Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It's a condition that affects men of all ages, though it becomes more common with age.
Is It Common?
Occasional erectile difficulty is very normal — it can happen to anyone, especially during periods of stress, fatigue, or after drinking alcohol. However, frequent or persistent ED may signal an underlying physical or emotional issue that should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Related Sexual Concerns
ED is one of several conditions that affect male sexual health. Others include:
- Premature ejaculation
- Delayed or absent ejaculation
- Reduced sexual interest or low libido
Common Causes of ED
Physical causes
- Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Low testosterone
- Certain medications (antidepressants, blood pressure meds, etc.)
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
Psychological causes
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Performance anxiety
Risk Factors
Some men are more likely than others to experience ED. Common risk factors include:
- Age — ED becomes more common over 40, though it can occur at any age
- Chronic conditions — diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and multiple sclerosis
- Lifestyle factors — smoking, heavy alcohol use, recreational drug use, and being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle — lack of regular physical activity
- Mental health — ongoing stress, anxiety, or depression
- Medical treatments — some surgeries (especially prostate) and radiation therapy
How ED is Diagnosed
A GP will usually start with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. From there they may:
- Perform a physical examination
- Order blood tests (to check blood sugar, cholesterol, testosterone, and other hormones)
- Test for cardiovascular risk factors, since ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease
- Refer you to a urologist or sexual health specialist if needed
Many Australian men feel uncomfortable discussing ED with their doctor, but GPs deal with this every day — it's a routine medical conversation, not an awkward one.
When to Seek Help
Persistent ED can signal either physical health issues or emotional or relationship challenges that warrant professional attention. Talk to your GP or a sexual health specialist if:
- You've had problems for more than a few weeks
- It's causing distress or relationship difficulties
- You also have other symptoms (chest pain, frequent urination, etc.)
Treatment Options
ED is highly treatable. Common treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes — diet, exercise, quitting smoking
- PDE5 inhibitor medications like sildenafil (the active ingredient in Kamagra Oral Jelly), tadalafil, or vardenafil
- Counselling or therapy for psychological causes
- Medical devices or, in rare cases, surgery
Can ED Be Prevented?
In many cases the same lifestyle changes that protect heart health also reduce the risk of ED. The most effective steps you can take are:
- Stay physically active — aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol and don't smoke
- Manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol with your GP
- Address chronic stress and prioritise sleep
Last reviewed: 9 May 2026. Information on this page is general in nature. For diagnosis or treatment, consult a registered Australian healthcare professional.