Penile erection is a complex interaction of the nervous system, blood circulation, hormones, and emotion state. Therefore, symptoms may suggest a psychological problem such as depression, and/or a medical problem such as diabetes. Any one of these conditions can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms include:
Nerves that cause sensation in the penis differ from those that cause erections, so it is possible to feel sensations without getting an erection. Also, orgasm is possible without erection.
Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113875/E...tile-dysfunction. Updated December 15, 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Erectile dysfuntion. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/male-sexual-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction. Updated June 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ. Erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(10):820-827.
Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes. Updated July 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
What are the symptoms of ED? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
