Doctor's Response
Date:Oct / 2011
Thank you for your question.
Hi, Sorry you're having such a tough time with this. What you are suffering from is known as 'Erectile dysfunction' or ED. There are lots of causes both physical and psychological. See below.
www.patient.co.uk/health/Erectile-Dysfunction-(Impotence).htm
The commonest cause is narrowing of arteries carrying blood to the penis. This is really unlikely though in someone so young, and healthy who doesn't drink smoke or use recreational drugs, ( I'm assuming you are not diabetic as that is a common cause). The most likely physical cause in someone your age is a hormonal imblanace, commonly a shortage of testosterone. This can be tested for with a simple blood test and easily treated.
If there is no physical cause then psychological causes are sometimes important.
You said you didn't know where to turn. I would URGE you to go and see your GP. This is a really common problem that us GP's are very used to talking about, although it is obviously difficult for patients. If you were nervous about broaching it you could print off our correspondence and give it to them to read if it was easier than saying it. They wil examine you to check your circulation is ok, and usually arrange simple blood tests checking for diabetes , low testosterone and other routine blood tests such as kidney function.
If your doctor thinks it is suitable, you may be offered drugs such as viagra ( sildenafil ) or cialis ( tadalafil). There are very strict NHS criteria for who can have these on an NHS prescription, including diabetics or people who have had treatment for prostate cancer. Your doctor can explain this to you but to be honest you probably wont fall into any of these categories. If not then they can prescribe for you privately. There will be the cost of the prescription and then the cost of the drugs from the chemist, there are also online chemists that you can send your prescription to, to be dispensed. Most GP's can tell you which chemist has the most competitive price locally, or you could ring around to ask once you have the prescription. They are safe drugs which can absolutely change your life if you are struggling with this. As you mentioned they are available on the internet but I would advise against this as you never know what you are buying, and there have been 'fake' viagra tablets in circulation in the UK. Here is some more info on viagra;
www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Sildenafil.htm
Also there are some good websites below with further information, but i would strongly suggest seeing your GP soon. There is no need to be embarrassed, this is a really common problem.
www.40over40.com/index.html (I know you are only 37!)
www.sexualadviceassociation.co.uk/
Thank you for using ThanksDr. I do hope this information is of use to you.
Yours faithfully,
The ThanksDr Team
