When should you see a GP about erectile dysfunction?

Yesterday 😄. 

But seriously, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is common, and it CAN be more normal than most men realise BUT you should definitely get it checked out by a doctor before you make that call (if you haven't already). There are a few common situations where you could give it some time IF you are young, but a check-up/ chat can't hurt. It may even save your life (see this article). And blokes are generally pretty shit at going to the GP. Don't be shit.

Almost every GP sees ED regularly, across most age groups. Despite that, many men delay getting help, often for months or years, because they assume it’s “just stress”, “just ageing”, or something they should deal with privately.

Knowing when to see a GP can make a real difference, not just for sexual health, but for your overall health as well. And possibly your partner's.

What erectile dysfunction actually means

The textbooks and experts say that erectile dysfunction is the ongoing difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. But if we dig a little deeper, this is not such a neat and tidy definition: 

Example #1

You want to get and maintain erections with superhuman frequency and duration. Goes something like this: partner's sex drive is much higher than yours + wants to have sex multiple times in a short period = can't get or maintain an erection “as needed” (mostly by partner but partly you as well). If this period is minutes or hours or so, this is not really “dysfunction” it's a mismatch of sex drives and normal physiology. And don't get me wrong, for sure this can become a big and stressful issue for couples. But there is a normal refractory period after ejaculation that naturally impairs erections. 

Example #2

You had a few too many lemon shandies/pints at the pub on Saturday, and little fella has passed out despite big fella still walking, talking or wanting some action in some form. Also not really dysfunction, per se. Maybe just have less beers next weekend? Would you rather a shit-tonne of beers or sex?

Example #3

You've just got out of a long term relationship, had some time feeling sorry for yourself, then gotten back into the dating scene suuuuuper rusty on your flirt (and dirt 😉) game. Now you've found yourself, unexpectedly getting lucky with someone and are so f*@#$ing nervous about making a good impression, giving a good time etc. that you sweat yourself out of an erection. Lack of boner freaks everyone out (they think it's about them - which i's not) and the vibe dies very quickly. Awkwardness prevails.

ED doesn’t mean a single bad night, occasional performance issues, or a temporary dip during illness or stress.

If the problem is persistent, recurrent, or getting worse, it’s worth being checked. If it's stage fright, “pissed-fright” or unrealistic expectations, maybe have a think. 

But go see your GP anyway - for a check-up, blood pressure, cholesterol, skin check, prostate cancer, bowel cancer screening - there'll be something to do or prevent. Invest in yourself.

Why erectile dysfunction happens

ED is rarely caused by just one thing. Common contributing factors include:

• Blood vessel and circulation issues
• Diabetes or early metabolic disease
• Hormonal changes (including low testosterone)
• Medications (especially blood pressure and mental health medications)
• Psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, relationship strain or your brain/drive outpacing your physical capacity.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, poor sleep, or inactivity

Often, several of these overlap.

When you should see a GP about erectile dysfunction

You should book a GP appointment if any of the following apply:

The problem has lasted more than a few weeks

It’s happening most of the time, not just occasionally

It appeared suddenly, especially if you were previously fine

You’ve noticed reduced morning erections

ED is affecting your confidence, mood, or relationship

You have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

You’re under 40 and it’s ongoing or unexplained

Tablets haven’t worked, or have stopped working

You think ED is a side effect of a regular medication (e.g. antidepressants, antianxiety medications) and you want to confirm BEFORE stopping said tablet/medication.

You’re relying on online medications without a proper medical review.

You haven't been to the GP for over a year.

Importantly, ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, appearing years before heart symptoms.

What a GP actually does (it’s not just a prescription)

A proper GP assessment usually includes:

A medical and sexual history

Review of medications and lifestyle factors

Screening for conditions like diabetes, cholesterol issues, and hormonal imbalance

Discussion of mental health and relationship factors

Basic examination where appropriate (they don't necessarily have to check your junk if this is a deal breaker, unless they're concerned about Peyronie's Disease, STDs or low testosterone.)

In many cases, ED becomes an opportunity to pick up treatable, reversible issues early.

Australian guidance, including from organisations like the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, emphasises that ED assessment is about whole-person care — not just prescribing a pill.

When referral might be needed

Your GP may suggest referral if:

There’s poor response to first-line treatment

There’s suspected vascular, neurological, or hormonal disease

There’s penile pain or deformity

Psychological factors need specialist support

You’d benefit from urology or endocrinology input

The issue is related to pelvic floor tension or dysfunction 

Referral isn’t a failure — it’s part of good care.

The bottom line

If erectile dysfunction is persistent or worrying (you or your partner), it’s worth seeing a GP. Early assessment is usually straightforward, often reassuring, and can uncover issues that are far easier to treat sooner rather than later. And a lot of the time, the tablets help, if they're used correctly, safely and with good assessment and advice.

You don’t need to be embarrassed, and you don’t need to have all the answers before you book. That’s what your GP is there for.

If you want to understand what might be contributing to your symptoms and what your options are, a proper medical review is a sensible first step.