What actually counts as erectile dysfunction?

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

It’s happened once or twice, maybe more. You were in the mood, but your body wasn’t cooperating. Now you’re here, panicking: Is this normal? Do I actually have erectile dysfunction (ED)? And can I fix it without having an awkward and embarrassing conversation with my GP?

First, take a deep breath. Erectile impotence is extremely common, and most men will experience erectile problems at some point in their lives (1). Having the occasional “off night” doesn’t necessarily mean you have erectile dysfunction, and many things can temporarily affect your ability to get or maintain an erection (2).

But if it’s happening often enough to make you worry or impact your sex life, it’s worth understanding the real erectile dysfunction meaning. Here, we explain erectile dysfunction and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

What is erectile dysfunction, really?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence defines erectile dysfunction as “the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance” (3).

Most people assume this erectile dysfunction definition means you must have a complete (“persistent”) inability to get or keep an erection to classify as having ED. But the final part of the definition is important: “sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance.”

In other words, if you are regularly having erectile issues that are causing problems, worries, or what you perceive as "unsatisfactory" sexual performance, you may have ED. Erectile dysfunction, impotence, doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s extremely nuanced, and all the below situations count as erectile impotence:

You struggle to get an erection often enough that it’s affecting your confidence or sex life.
You can’t get an erection with a partner but have no issues when alone.
You only experience ED in specific situations, like after surgery or a breakup.
Your erections have changed since starting a new medication.
You can get an erection, but it’s not as firm or lasting as long as needed before ejaculation.

Erectile dysfunction can happen every time you have sex, but it can also come and go, and it can have different triggers. While some men may need long-term support, others only experience it occasionally. If it’s impacting your sex life and mood, it can be considered as ED.

Am I using erectile dysfunction treatments wrong?

Many of our customers tell us they think they are using erectile treatments like Viagra “incorrectly.” They believe that because they can get an erection sometimes, they don’t really have erectile impotence and shouldn’t be using ED medications.

The truth is that there are no strict rules for who deserves treatment. If ED is bothering you—whether it’s every time you have sex or just often enough to make you worry (or read this article)—it’s okay to seek help. Some men use ED treatments regularly; others only need them some of the time. Both approaches are valid.

That said, if ED is becoming a pattern rather than a rare inconvenience, it’s worth checking in with a GP. Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of underlying health issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression (2)(4)(5). It’s important to treat these underlying conditions to improve your overall health and well-being.

What can I do about erectile dysfunction?

The good news is that ED is often treatable, and you can get your sex life back on track.

1. Make healthy lifestyle changes

Your overall health has a massive impact on your sexual function. So, you might find a few lifestyle changes are enough to help with erectile dysfunction and bypass embarrassing conversations with your doctor. Some simple changes you can start making today include:

Eating a balanced diet packed with whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins (5)(6)(7).
Doing some form of physical activity every day (even if it’s only brisk walking) (5)(8).
Limiting how much alcohol you drink and quitting smoking (9)(10).
Lower your anxiety around sex by meditating, being more mindful, or trying therapy (5)(11).
Getting a better night’s sleep, which can also help lower your stress levels (5).

2. Try taking ED medications like Viagra

Healthy lifestyle changes don’t instantly lead to better erections—it can be a while before you see improvements. While you’re waiting, or if the changes you’ve made don’t seem to help, you might want to consider ED treatments like:

These medications help increase blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. Some ED tablets are only available with a prescription from a doctor, but over-the-counter options like Viagra Connect and Cialis Together also exist.

Importantly, you don’t have to use ED treatments every time you have sex. Some men take them occasionally when they feel they need extra support, while others use them more regularly. There’s no right or wrong approach, as long as it works for you.

3. Talk to your GP about underlying health issues

Many men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection, but constant and persistent problems in the bedroom can be a sign of something bigger (2)(4)(5).

If your erection problems keep recurring, especially if you notice other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes, it’s worth speaking to a doctor. We know it can feel awkward and embarrassing, but it’s essential to treat any pre-existing health issues or rule out any underlying causes for peace of mind.

Certain medications can also affect erections (2). If you’ve started a new prescription and noticed a change in your performance in the bedroom, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. After making a swap, you might find you have your erections back.

Get support for ED at Oxford Online Pharmacy

Whether erectile dysfunction happens occasionally or more often, you deserve to feel confident and in control. Your sex life matters. And while lifestyle changes should certainly be explored, you’re allowed to use ED treatments, even if you don’t have a “serious” health condition.

If the thought of having a potentially awkward conversation with your doctor is a barrier to seeking support, our online doctor service can help. At Oxford Online Pharmacy, you can get a discreet consultation and prescription without stepping foot into a doctor’s surgery.

Fill out a short online questionnaire, and our UK-based doctors will review your details. If suitable, your medication will be delivered straight to your door.

Start your consultation or view our erectile dysfunction treatments to learn more about your options.