You have erection problems if you can't get or keep an erection that is firm enough for you to have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence.

It's common to have erection problems every now and then. This is normal. These problems can occur at any age. But they are more common as you get older, when you are more likely to have other health problems. Treatment can help at any age.

Erection problems may be caused by physical problems, related to the blood vessels, nerves, or hormones. Or they may be caused by mental health issues.

They can also be linked to other health problems such as low testosterone levels, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Surgery, such as for prostate cancer, may cause erection problems.

Anxiety, stress, and depression may also cause erection problems. Drinking too much alcohol or smoking may cause erection problems.

The decision about whether to treat an erection problem is often based on personal preference. It may not be as easy as the decision about whether to treat other medical problems. Erection problems aren't life-threatening. But they can affect how you feel about yourself. If you are planning a pregnancy, you should talk with your doctor about how taking one of these medicines will affect your chances of conceiving.

Oral medicines (by mouth) can make treating an erection problem simple and easy. But you should think carefully about whether you want to treat your erection problem before you commit to trying one of these medicines.

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) are commonly used oral medicines for erection problems. Examples include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). These medicines work well no matter what is causing the erection problem.^{footnote 1}

These medicines should never be used if you may need to take a nitrate-containing medicine, such as nitroglycerin.

Talk with your doctor about whether medicines for erection problems are safe if you:

• Have heart disease.
• Have heart failure or low blood pressure.
• Are taking drugs for high blood pressure.

You may be able to treat some erection problems on your own. Try these tips:

• Change your lifestyle habits that affect erections. Don't smoke or use illegal drugs. Limit alcohol. For some people, losing weight and exercising more have been helpful.
• Think about what is going on in your relationships and life that could be linked to your erection problems.
• If you have one, talk with your partner about your erection problems.
• Practice some sensual exercises with your partner, if you have one.

If these things don't work for you, don't be embarrassed to talk with your doctor about other things you might try.