Erectile Dysfunction in Australia: Causes and When to Get Help

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means having trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It’s common, it becomes more likely with age, and it’s often treatable. Occasional problems are normal, but if it keeps happening, it’s worth seeing a GP, because ED can be an early sign of other health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

This guide gives an overview of ED: what it is, how common it is, what treatment can involve and when to get help. For a closer look at what causes it, see our companion article on the causes of erectile dysfunction.

What is erectile dysfunction?

An erection happens when nerve signals, blood flow, hormones and your state of mind all work together. ED is when this process doesn’t work well enough, often enough, for satisfying sex. It might mean:

• finding it hard to get an erection
• losing an erection before or during sex
• erections that are less firm than they used to be
• needing much more stimulation than before

Most men have the odd night when things don’t go to plan, especially when tired, stressed or after drinking alcohol. That isn’t ED. Doctors usually think about ED when the problem keeps happening over several weeks or more, or when it’s causing you or your partner distress.

How common is it?

ED is one of the most common sexual health concerns men raise with their GP. According to healthdirect, more than 1 in 10 males cannot have erections, and ED becomes more common as men get older. It can affect younger men too, often linked to stress, anxiety or lifestyle factors.

Why ED is worth taking seriously

ED isn’t just about sex. The blood vessels in the penis are small, so they can show the effects of narrowed or damaged arteries before larger vessels do. For this reason, ED can be the first sign of:

• heart and blood vessel disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes

Seeing a GP about ED is a chance to check your overall health, not only to treat the symptom.

What causes it, in brief

ED usually has more than one cause. The main groups are:

• Physical: conditions affecting blood flow, nerves or hormones, such as diabetes, heart disease, low testosterone or after prostate surgery.
• Psychological: stress, anxiety (including performance anxiety), depression and relationship difficulties.
• Lifestyle: smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, recreational drugs, being inactive and carrying extra weight.
• Medicines: some medicines used for blood pressure, depression and other conditions can affect erections.

Our article on understanding the causes of ED explains each of these in more detail.

What you can do yourself

Healthy habits help your blood vessels, energy and mood, and can improve erections for some men. They’re also worth doing alongside any treatment.

• Move more. Regular physical activity helps circulation, weight and stress.
• Stop smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels. Our stop smoking support page explains how a GP can help, and Quitline (13 7848) is a free service.
• Cut back on alcohol. Heavy drinking can affect erections both on the night and over time.
• Look after your mental health. Stress, anxiety and low mood are common, treatable contributors.
• Talk to your partner. Pressure and worry can make ED worse. Being open often eases it.

Be wary of supplements or “natural” products sold online for erections. Some have been found to contain undeclared prescription ingredients, which can be unsafe, especially if you have heart problems.

What treatment can involve

Treatment depends on the cause, your general health and what matters to you. A GP will usually:

1. Ask about your symptoms, medical history, medicines, lifestyle and mood.
2. Check for underlying conditions, often with blood tests (for example, blood sugar, cholesterol and sometimes hormone levels) and a blood pressure check.
3. Talk through options with you.

Options may include:

• lifestyle changes and managing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• reviewing any medicines that could be contributing (never stop a medicine without speaking to your doctor first)
• oral prescription treatment, if clinically appropriate and safe for you
• counselling or sex therapy, on your own or with your partner
• referral to a specialist, such as a urologist, for other treatments including injections or devices

Some ED treatments aren’t safe with certain heart medicines, so your doctor will always check what you take before prescribing.

When to see a GP

Make an appointment if:

• erection problems have been happening for a few weeks or more
• ED is affecting your confidence, wellbeing or relationship
• you also have symptoms such as tiredness, increased thirst, needing to wee more, or shortness of breath on exertion
• you have risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history

If talking about it feels awkward, you’re not alone. Our article on overcoming ED stigma and talking to a doctor has practical tips.

When to get urgent help

Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have:

• chest pain, pressure or tightness, or shortness of breath, including during or after sex
• an erection that lasts more than 3 to 4 hours, or a painful erection that won’t go down
• sudden severe pain, swelling or bruising of the penis after an injury
• sudden erection problems together with new numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs can talk with you about ED by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time). Most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Your doctor can:

• assess your symptoms and look for underlying causes
• arrange blood test referrals to check your general health
• prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• provide a referral to a specialist or psychologist where needed
• let you know if you need to be seen in person

ED consultations are a private fee: $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page for details, or read more about erectile dysfunction treatment online.

Frequently asked questions

Is erectile dysfunction normal as you get older?

ED becomes more common with age, but it isn’t something you simply have to accept. It’s often linked to treatable health conditions, so it’s worth seeing a GP whatever your age.

Can ED be a sign of heart disease?

Yes. ED can be an early sign of heart and blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. A GP can check for these as part of your assessment.

Can young men get erectile dysfunction?

Yes. In younger men, ED is often linked to stress, anxiety, relationship issues, alcohol or drugs, but physical causes are possible too. A GP can help work out what’s going on.

Is ED treatable?

ED can often be improved by treating the underlying cause, making lifestyle changes, counselling or prescription treatment if clinically appropriate. Your doctor will talk through what suits you.

How much does an ED consultation cost at Teldoc?

ED consultations are a private fee: $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. Any medicine prescribed is paid for separately at the pharmacy.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026