Erectile dysfunction is a relatively common condition that affects men of all ages
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED)?
If you cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex, you may have a medical condition called ED.
Men can experience symptoms in different ways:
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Some cannot achieve an erection.
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Others may achieve an erection, but not firm enough for having sex or they may lose the erection before or during sex.
For some men with ED, it can be difficult to achieve or maintain an erection every time they try to have sex. For others, symptoms can happen just once in a while.
ED is a common medical condition that has nothing to do with masculinity.
Research indicates that one in three Irish men have experienced difficulty achieving an erection, 1 in 5 indicated they experience ED regularly, so don’t worry – if you’re experiencing ED symptoms you are not alone. You can take action to get help.
Many men ignore their ED symptoms for years, because they are too embarrassed to see a healthcare professional, but the symptoms of ED can be treated in most cases.


Do not ignore ED symptoms – talk to your pharmacist or make an appointment with your doctor for a health check-up
What causes erectile dysfunction?
A common physical cause of erectile dysfunction is reduced blood flow to the penis
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is generally due to physical causes, although psychological issues and some types of medication can also cause ED.
The main physical cause of ED is not enough blood flowing into the penis, so a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex.
This happens because the small blood vessels that supply the penis during an erection become blocked or narrow.
Smoking, high cholesterol and lack of exercise can cause this problem, as can high blood pressure and diabetes.
ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions even if you feel healthy.
While not all men with ED will have other health problems, it is always best to talk to a pharmacist or see your doctor who can fully assess your health and treat any condition you might have that could be causing ED symptoms.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Men who are unsure if their erection problems are symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) can benefit from talking discreetly with a pharmacist.
The pharmacist will not give you a physical examination or ask you personal questions about your sex life – they will just ask you a few questions about:
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Your symptoms
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Your general physical health
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Any medicine you might be taking
This is to confirm that you have ED symptoms and to decide if VIAGRA connect is suitable for you.
If VIAGRA connect is right for you, the pharmacist will explain how to take it correctly for the best results. You should also see your doctor as soon as possible within 6 months of your first purchase of VIAGRA connect to get a health check-up.
If VIAGRA connect isn’t right for you, the pharmacist will refer you to your doctor who can discuss alternative treatment options with you in more detail.
Learn more about the potential causes of erectile dysfunction
Erection problems can be treated in most cases, so take action and get help by talking to your pharmacist in confidence today about VIAGRA connect.

Many men live with ED symptoms for years and don’t get help.
Talk to your pharmacist - take action
Can the symptoms of erectile dysfunction be treated?
Making a few lifestyle changes could help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms:
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Losing weight through healthy eating
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Taking regular exercise
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Reducing stress
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Stopping smoking
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Moderating alcohol intake and avoiding recreational drugs
As well as these lifestyle changes, you can ask your pharmacist or doctor for more details about the following ED treatments which are available:
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Oral medicines (taken by mouth), such as VIAGRA connect
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Injectable medicines
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Devices and implants
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Psychosexual counselling
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Specialist help from a urologist
Learn how changing your lifestyle can help reduce the risk of ED symptoms
Erectile dysfunction and your health
Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be caused by different health conditions
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Heart and circulation problems can reduce the flow of blood to the penis
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Low levels of the male hormone testosterone
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Injury to or disease of the penis or surrounding areas
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Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, or relationship issues
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Surgery to the penis or the surrounding areas (e.g. prostate surgery)
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Lifestyle issues, such as stress, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug abuse
ED symptoms can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. Talk to your pharmacist to find out more
Talking about erectile dysfunction together
Select how to talk to your partner about

How to talk about your erection problems with your partner
Like most issues couples face in life, it is always better to face them together. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no different. The sooner you discuss it, the sooner you can get your love life back on track.
Ignoring ED symptoms and avoiding sex can lead to greater misunderstanding. It is important to remember that ED is a medical condition that can be treated in most cases. It’s nobody’s fault.
ED can be a difficult subject to talk about, so some men may withdraw and refuse to talk about it. The wall of silence surrounding the condition often leaves a man’s partner imagining all sorts of things.
You can reassure your partner by telling them that ED is a medical condition and nothing more – that it’s not their fault, it has nothing to do with attraction and they’ve done nothing wrong to cause this. This is a situation you can improve by working together as a team.
You may feel awkward about starting up a conversation with your partner about ED symptoms you are experiencing, but you’ll feel more at ease once you’ve discussed it.
When you start the conversation, remember:
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ED is a common medical condition. Research indicates that one in three Irish men have experienced difficulty achieving an erection, 1 in 5 indicated they experience ED regularly
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Stay positive: ED symptoms are treatable in most cases
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Choose a neutral place (not the bedroom) to talk and approach the subject in a calm and relaxed manner
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Remember that you are both in this together
Like any challenge in life, you are both stronger when you work together

Like any challenge in life, you are both stronger when you work together
Select how to talk to your partner about
Myths about erectile dysfunction
Can you separate erectile dysfunction (ED) fact from fiction?
Treatments for erectile dysfunction
VIAGRA connect is available without a prescription to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It is available to buy from the pharmacy.
The sooner you take action to get help, the sooner you can get your love life back on track. Talk to your pharmacist about treatment options for ED symptoms or make an appointment to see your doctor