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OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.
Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who is having erectile problems.
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Q) I’M 66 and I’ve had erectile problems for a year now. I can only get a semi-hard erection.
Will it come back, or do I need to see someone? It is really bothering me and I want to get it sorted.
A) If you haven’t already, you must make an appointment to see a doctor.
There are several medical reasons why a man might develop erectile dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
In fact, the arteries that supply the penis are often the first arteries that are damaged if somebody has got significant cardiovascular disease, which is disease of the heart and the blood vessels.
See your doctor, have a physical examination, have your blood pressure checked and blood tested, and have a heart health check too.
If all of that comes back normal, then at least your GP will be in a better place to decide what tests you may need next or where you should be referred for further investigation.
It’s also worth pointing out that there can also be psychological reasons that prevent an erection.
Depression, anxiety or simply being under too much stress can make it difficult to get an erection, or the pressure to “perform” sexually – which can trigger a vicious cycle.
You don’t say whether you are in a relationship, but being open about it with your partner and asking for their understanding and support while you figure it out would be worthwhile.
Persevere with this though, as it may take a while to get to the bottom of it.
Health tip
Try a new fruit to snack on every week – put a cut-up pineapple or mango in an airtight container, or satsumas, kiwis or grapes.
The more variety in our diet, the better our gut bacteria diversity will be.
