Symptoms and Complications
When a man is unable to get or maintain an erection, it is termed erectile difficulties. It may also be called erectile dysfunction.
A man may sometimes have erections (e.g., when he wakes up in the morning), but is unable to get an erection during sex with his partner. This is often a sign of a psychological problem that may or may not have to do with that particular relationship.
If a man had regular erections in the past, but suddenly begins to have problems getting an erection, there's a chance that it's a nerve or hormonal problem, a circulatory problem, or the effect of alcohol, drugs, or medicine.
If a man still gets erections but they're not as hard or long lasting as in the past, it's quite likely that a circulatory problem is causing the dysfunction.
If surgery or injury is involved, the sufferer may already know what's causing the erectile difficulties. A doctor should be consulted about possible solutions.
While erectile difficulties are inevitably going to cause some anxiety, it's vital for sufferers to keep their relationship with their partner or spouse as regular as possible until a solution can be found. Modern medicine and therapeutic techniques can help over 90% of erection problems.