Difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection are more common than one might think, affecting about 64% of men at some point in their lives, according to an IFOP survey.

Why can't I get an erection?

Dr. Sam Ward - Urologue et Andrologue

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Ward

Written by Notre équipe éditoriale

Last updated 6/4/2023 - 3 min read

Are you unable to achieve a satisfactory erection? Here might be why

You feel like it, your head is exactly where it should be, you're full of good intentions and yet it doesn't work? Experiencing an erection problem can be particularly frustrating and cause a lot of misunderstanding for both you and your partner. However, it happens much more often than people think. According to a survey by the IFOP (French Institute of Public Opinion) as many as 64% of men experience erectile dysfunction during their lifetime. Among them, 72% will never consult a practitioner due to the shame of discussing a common problem. If you haven't yet taken this step, here are some pieces of information that might guide you.

Erectile dysfunction: physiological causes

What happens in your private life can actually alert you to more serious issues. Specifically, an erect penis swells and stiffens due to arterial blood flow. If this does not work, or works poorly, there may be other problems, which can be of different natures:

Cardiovascular diseases: high blood pressure, coronary diseases, arteritis, heart failure, diabetes...

Neurological disorders: epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease...

To ensure that your erectile problems are not a sign of any of these diseases, talk to a doctor or your primary care physician!

Erectile dysfunction: psychological causes

A physical problem can have a psychological cause, you surely know that. Well, it's the same for erectile dysfunction, various discomforts can be at the root of erection problems.

Depression, anxiety, distress... You struggle to stay present in the moment, perhaps even your libido is not at its best, and your body is reflecting that. The good news is that these issues can be resolved. With the help of a professional, your intimate life can also improve.

Performance culture, low self-esteem, fear of underperforming... Perhaps your erectile problems stem from the act itself and the fear of not measuring up? Solutions are available.

Erection problems: multiple daily causes

You probably know that bad consumption habits can lead to many physical discomforts. Well, they can also affect your sex life.

Tobacco, alcohol, drugs... All substances that can significantly reduce your sexual vigor.

Anxiolytics, antidepressants, neuroleptics... Some medications can cause more or less significant erectile dysfunction.

Poor diet, lack of physical activity... Bad lifestyle habits can also explain your health issues.

Are you unable to achieve an erection, or are you unable to maintain it? Is the rigidity of your erection insufficient? Here are several treatment options to address this disorder that is disrupting your intimate life.

Erection-enhancing drugs

There are several available, all of which can be obtained by prescription. They are often recommended to be taken on average 1 hour before sexual intercourse and have an effective duration ranging from 4 to 36 hours. When combined with sensory stimulation, these medications, known as PDE5 inhibitors, help increase blood flow by acting on the smooth muscles of the penis. Highly effective, they are generally the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction.

. Viagra® (Sildenafil)

. Cialis® (Tadalafil)

. Levitra® (Vardenafil)

. Spedra® (Avanafil)

Kano, the most affordable urological teleconsultation service.

Change your lifestyle habits

In practical terms, your penis is an organ that requires good arterial flow and healthy habits. If you're experiencing erection problems, improving your lifestyle could be a way to make things better.

Eating healthy, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a normal weight... Generally speaking, improving your physical fitness can only be beneficial.

Reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, avoiding recreational drugs... As we have seen, all these substances are bad for your sexual vitality, it can only be good to avoid them.

Start therapy

If you're feeling depressed, undervalued, it can have serious consequences on your sex life. Talking to a professional can be a first step towards improving your erection problems. Seeing a psychologist or sexologist is not shameful, on the contrary, taking care of oneself is empowering.

The causes of your erectile dysfunction are therefore multiple, but so are the possible treatments. The first thing to do is to identify the origins. If you have come this far, you are ready to take this step :)

Getting a prescription for Viagra
Dr. Sam Ward - Urologue et Andrologue

Révision médicale par le Dr. Sam Ward

Directeur médical, Urologue et Andrologue

Le Docteur Sam Ward, urologue et andrologue, dirige le service d'urologie à la Clinique Saint-Jean de Bruxelles depuis octobre 2024. Membre du Comité exécutif de la Chaire UNESCO Santé sexuelle & Droits humains et cofondateur de Kano.care, il est spécialise en santé masculine et médecine sexuelle.

En savoir plus sur notre équipe médicale

Reviewed on 4/7/2025

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À voir aussi

Sildenafil and tadalafil work by increasing blood flow to the penis, thus facilitating an erection, but their use requires a prescription to avoid side effects.

What medication should be taken to achieve an erection?

Erectile dysfunction affects many men at different times in their lives. Whether related to stress, fatigue, medical or psychological causes, it can have a significant impact on self-confidence and quality of life. Faced with this issue, many seek medicinal solutions to achieve a satisfactory erection. However, it is essential to remember that only treatments prescribed by a doctor after a consultation are acceptable. Self-medication or purchasing drugs from unapproved sites can be dangerous to health.

Medicinal treatments such as Viagra and Cialis, available through Kano.care, offer an immediate and scientifically validated solution, unlike dietary supplements which remain unproven.

Medication vs Dietary Supplement for better erections.

In a market flooded with solutions for erectile dysfunction, it is essential to distinguish truly effective treatments from products that are at best supplementary, at worst ineffective. The difference between a medication and a dietary supplement is crucial, as it directly affects the health and effectiveness of the proposed solutions. At Kano, we have chosen to offer our patients access to approved medicinal treatments prescribed by health professionals, thus ensuring optimal and effective management of erectile dysfunction.

Viagra is an effective medication for erectile dysfunction, but its use must be supervised by a healthcare professional. Indeed, improper use can lead to serious side effects and dangerous interactions.

How to buy Viagra? (or Sildenafil)

Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, but unlike other products that are freely available, it cannot be purchased directly from a pharmacy or online without a prescription. Its acquisition is based on a medical prescription, as its use must be regulated to ensure its effectiveness and to avoid health risks. Discover in this article why Viagra requires a prescription, how a medical consultation on Kano.care proceeds, and why one should be wary of products sold illegally online.

Kano.care offers a responsible approach with online medical consultations and authentic treatments.

Why can't you buy Cialis online without a consultation and a medical prescription?

Purchasing Cialis online without a medical prescription exposes you to major dangers, such as counterfeit drugs, illegal websites, and the lack of medical follow-up. This treatment for erectile dysfunction requires a prior medical evaluation to ensure its effectiveness and to avoid risks associated with contraindications or improper dosing. Kano.care offers a legal and secure alternative through online consultations, reliable prescriptions, and fast and discreet delivery. By choosing Kano.care, you benefit from comprehensive care that respects medical practices and focuses on your intimate health.

Les sites qui proposent du Viagra sans ordonnance sont souvent illégaux et insécurisés, mettant en danger la santé et les données personnelles des utilisateurs.

Pourquoi vous ne pouvez pas acheter du Viagra en ligne sans consultation et prescription médicale?

Le Viagra, reconnu mondialement pour son efficacité dans le traitement de la dysfonction érectile, ne doit pas être considéré comme un médicament anodin. Son acquisition requiert une approche responsable et encadrée par des professionnels de santé. Si vous vous interrogez sur l’impossibilité d’acheter légalement du Viagra en ligne sans consultation médicale, sachez que cela repose sur des impératifs de sécurité, de légalité et de santé publique. Cet article met en lumière les dangers de l’achat non encadré de Viagra et présente l’approche rigoureuse de Kano.care, qui offre un accès légal, sécurisé et médicalement supervisé à ce traitement.

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Treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®, and Spedra®, carry potential risks that vary depending on the patient's health condition. They may cause serious side effects, including cardiovascular issues, dangerous drug interactions, or prolonged erections (priapism), which require immediate medical attention. It is essential never to take these medications without the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. A thorough medical consultation is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment for each individual, taking into account medical history and contraindications. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the medications are obtained from reliable and authorized sources. Medications purchased outside legal channels or without a prescription may be counterfeit, ineffective, or even harmful to health. Always consult a doctor before using these treatments and obtain medications from a licensed pharmacy.

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Erectile dysfunction?

  • 100% online consultation
  • No appointment needed, prescription within 3 hours
  • Fast and discreet delivery
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Rated as 'Excellent' on Trustpilot.