Erectile dysfunction or impotence is common, with around 40% of Aussie males affected.
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Key takeaways
Causes range from physical health conditions to mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
There are many treatment options, so speak to your doctor today to start improving symptoms.
Aussie blokes aren’t known for their willingness to chat about their health, especially when it comes to anything that goes on below the waist.
But the reality is that erectile dysfunction, commonly known as impotence, affects 40% of Australian males.1
The good news, though, is that there are often ways to treat and improve symptoms.
What is erectile dysfunction and what causes it?
Impotence is an ongoing inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The likelihood of being affected increases with age, with those between 60 and 69 most at risk.2
Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom or consequence of some other problem. It was once thought that erectile dysfunction was mainly caused by psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression, but it’s now known that most cases have a physical cause.
While occasional erectile dysfunction is normal, ongoing impotence can be a symptom of an underlying physical illness, such as blood vessel disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. These particular problems also affect the heart and the blood vessels that supply the heart.
Is erectile dysfunction treatable?
There are treatments that can improve or resolve erectile dysfunction. Yet, less than half of those experiencing issues will see their doctor. Why? Studies show that embarrassment is the most common reason, closely followed by concerns about what the doctor may find as a further health problem.3
Because of the links between erectile dysfunction and chronic medical conditions, if you notice that impotence is an ongoing problem for you or your partner, it’s important that you speak with your doctor.
What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?
There are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction, but it’s important to discover why it’s happening in the first place.4
If your erectile dysfunction is being caused by a health issue, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or recommend some lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking, increasing exercise or cutting back on alcohol consumption.
If appropriate, there are also medications that can help, as well as implants and other devices. Consult your doctor before taking any medications, as they may not be suitable for everyone.
If there is a psychological cause, such as anxiety or high levels of stress, your doctor may recommend speaking with a counsellor or psychologist to help improve symptoms.
No matter the cause, if you or your partner experiences erectile dysfunction it’s important to see a doctor to find out the cause and start treatment.
Resources
MensLine is a counselling service for men. You can get 24/7 support online and on the phone at 1300 78 99 78.
Beyond Blue offers 24/7 mental health information and support online and on the phone at 1300 224 636.
At Bupa, trust is everything
Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
1Smith, I.A.R., McLeod, N. & Rashid, P. (2010). Erectile dysfunction – when tablets don’t work. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, 39(5).
2Pinnock, C. & Marshall, V. (1999). Erectile dysfunction in the community: a prevalence study. Medical Journal of Australia, 171(7), 353-357.
3Rasmussen, S., Balasubramaniam, K., Jarbøl, D., Søndergaard, J., & Fentz Haastrup, P. (2016). Socioeconomic status and barriers for contacting the general practitioner when bothered by erectile dysfunction: a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC family practice, 21(1), 166.
4Healthdirect. (2023). Erectile dysfunction. Healthdirect.
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