Developing erectile dysfunction can be a slow process and some of the early warning signs may be easy to overlook.
There are many reasons why erectile dysfunction may develop, from other medical conditions, to relationship problems, or even a decline in hormones, and many of these root causes may have a few red flags that you can be on the lookout for.
Below, we will cover 9 of the most common early warning signs that might be signaling the beginning stages of erectile dysfunction.
1. Occasionally not being able to get an erection
Having a one-off night where you experience issues in the bedroom is not necessarily a problem, and is actually quite normal.
But, when the occurrence of these nights becomes more frequent, it could mean an early warning sign for erectile dysfunction.
Don’t get too worried if this happens rarely, but when the frequency seems to be ramping up, you may want to start looking into if something is wrong.
2. Erections not lasting as long as usual
You may still be able to get an erection like usual, and have satisfying sexual intercourse, but if your erections are starting to end sooner than usual, this could be the beginning stages of erectile dysfunction.
If you think that your erections are not lasting as long as they used to, or are softer quicker than usual, it may be worth it to bring this up to your doctor to start looking into it.
3. Less desire for sex
Less desire for sex is normal as you get older, and may not signal the beginning of erectile dysfunction.
But, when less desire for sex is paired with other signs on this list like your erections not lasting as long, certain medical conditions developing or worsening, or starting a new medication, a reduced libido could be an initial sign of developing erectile dysfunction.
4. Your partner notices a difference
It takes two to tango, so if you have an inkling that something may be off or your erections aren’t quite what they used to be, talking to a long-term partner may be key to identifying if there is a change.
Also, if your partner has already mentioned something to you about differences in sex, that may be a sign that erectile dysfunction may be in the early stages.
Erectile dysfunction may be a stress for any relationship, so working through the issue as a couple as soon as changes appear may help strengthen your partnership.
5. Your medical conditions are worsening
Certain medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and high cholesterol can all be detrimental to your sexual health and bring on symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
The best thing that you can do for your sexual health is to avoid developing these conditions or do your best to keep them in check if you do have them already.
If you start experiencing shorter or less frequent erections, it could be a sign of developing or worsening chronic conditions, so you should speak to your doctor about the state of your current medical issues, and get some advice on how to improve them.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are especially important to keep an eye on, as they are extremely common and are likely to have no symptoms initially.
For some, changes in your erection may be the first sign that something else is going on in your body.
6. You are not having morning erections like before
Morning erections aren’t just a bothersome alarm clock, they are a low-key signifier that everything is working great down there, and blood flow is ample.
Everyone has different rates of morning erections, so there is no “goal” number to look for, but if your morning erections are changing from what is normal for you, it could be a signal that blood flow isn’t as great as it once was.
7. You think about sex less
Thinking about sex less often may be a welcome reprieve for some, and may be a completely normal part of getting older. But, thinking about sex less may also signify a change in your hormone levels, namely testosterone.
A gradual change in having sex on the mind is probably fine, but if this came about relatively rapidly, or you are also noticing other symptoms on this list, it may be signaling the beginning stages of erectile dysfunction.
8. You started a new medication
A new medication may help you out with one issue, but can throw a wrench into your sexual health.
Certain medications, especially common anti-depressants and known to lead to sexual side effects including erectile dysfunction. If you have recently started on a new medication and are just now noticing sexual changes like trouble getting or maintaining an erection, it may be worth mentioning to your doctor.
You do not want to stop or change your dose of any medication without speaking to your doctor first, but letting your doctor know you may be having unwanted sexual side effects may help them adjust your dose appropriately or switch you to another medication that may have less sexual effects.
9. You are considering talking to a doctor about it
If you have already considered speaking with your doctor about your potential signs of erectile dysfunction (or you are reading articles like this one), there is a good chance that you already are aware something is up.
If you have a feeling that things are less frequent, strong, or not lasting as long, you may need to go with your gut and bring it up to a doctor.
Talking to your doctor about such a common health problem as erectile dysfunction may seem embarrassing for some, but the sooner you figure out the underlying issue or get help in the form of medication like sildenafil or tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, the better you are your sexual health will be.
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