When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have an erection that lasts longer than 3 hours.
• You have taken Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra in the past 24 hours, and you have chest pain. Do not take nitroglycerin.
• You have erection problems that occur along with pain or difficulty with urination, fever, or pain in the lower belly.

Call a doctor if erection problems occur:

• With any type of injury to the back, legs, buttocks, groin, penis, or testicles.
• With other symptoms such as loss of hair, enlargement of the breasts, or backache.
• With any change to the medicine you take.

If your erection problem is occasional, there is no reason to call your doctor. If it happens often and upsets you or your partner, it is okay to call your doctor. If an erection problem does not bother you or your partner, you may choose not to call your doctor.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting means a "wait-and-see" approach. A single episode of an erection problem is often a temporary and easily reversible problem. Do not assume it will happen again. If possible, forget about it and expect a more successful experience the next time. If you or your partner is concerned about it, talk about the problem and openly discuss your fears and anxieties.

If self-care has not helped after 2 weeks and you are concerned about your inability to have an erection, see a doctor who has experience in dealing with erection problems.

Who To See

Some health professionals, including doctors and mental health professionals, may not feel comfortable discussing sexuality and erection problems. Ask your health professional if he or she feels comfortable with and has experience in working with men who have erection problems.

The following health professionals can evaluate symptoms of erection problems:

• Family medicine doctor
• Internist
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Urologist

If it is possible that a psychological problem is contributing to your erection problem, your doctor may refer you to a health professional such as a:

• Psychiatrist.
• Psychologist.
• Certified licensed social worker.
• Counselor with special training in sexuality or relationship problems.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.