Erectile Health Self-Check
Erectile health check: a private, non-diagnostic list of known risk factors for erectile dysfunction, like blood sugar, blood pressure, smoking and sleep.
Written by HealthSensibly Editorial TeamReviewed by the HealthSensibly editorial teamUpdated
Erectile health and blood-vessel health
Erectile dysfunction (ED) means regularly finding it hard to get or keep an erection. It is common, and it becomes more common with age. An erection depends on healthy blood vessels, nerves and hormones, so the conditions that damage arteries elsewhere in the body, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking, are also the most common physical causes of ED. Stress, anxiety, low mood and some medicines can play a part too.
| Type of factor | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical | Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, low testosterone, prostate surgery or radiotherapy, nerve or spinal injury |
| Lifestyle | Smoking, extra weight, heavy drinking, little exercise, recreational drugs, anabolic steroids |
| Mind and sleep | Stress, anxiety, depression, relationship worries, poor sleep |
| Medicines | Some medicines for blood pressure, depression or prostate problems, among others |
Why doctors take it seriously
The arteries that supply the penis are narrower than those that supply the heart, so narrowing can show up there first. In a large US study, men who developed ED were more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event in the following years (Thompson et al., JAMA 2005). This means ED can be an early warning sign, and it is a good reason to have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked. Our men’s heart health check is a good next step.
When to see a doctor
- If erection problems keep happening, especially for several weeks or more.
- If you also have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, or have just started a new medicine.
- Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; your doctor can often switch it.
- Do not buy ED tablets online without a prescription. They can interact dangerously with heart medicines called nitrates.
- Get emergency help for an erection lasting more than 4 hours, or for chest pain.
Many men find that losing extra weight, being more active, stopping smoking and drinking less improve erectile function, and these changes help the heart at the same time.
More tools for men: Men’s Health hub.
Common questions
Is erectile dysfunction a normal part of ageing?
It becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable. It often has a treatable cause, so it is worth talking to a doctor at any age.
Can lifestyle changes help?
For many men, yes. Losing extra weight, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, drinking less and sleeping well can improve erectile function and protect the heart.
Is this self-check a diagnosis?
No. It lists known risk factors that apply to you. Only a doctor can work out the cause of erection problems, usually with a conversation, an examination and simple blood tests.
Are my answers saved?
No. The checklist runs in your browser. Your answers are not saved, not sent to us and not added to the page address.
References: NHS: Erectile dysfunction (impotence) · NIDDK: Erectile dysfunction · Erectile dysfunction and subsequent cardiovascular disease (Thompson et al., JAMA 2005)
Checked against the sources listed above. This is general health information and not medical advice — please ask your doctor or a registered dietitian what suits you.
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