Worried about erections? Start a simple plan today. Track what is happening, cut alcohol for a week, sleep well, try stress-reduction, and book a confidential chat with a qualified doctor. Online options exist if you prefer privacy. No one-size-fits-all, so get personalised advice.
I am an Australian GP. Most mornings begin with coughs and blood pressure checks. Then there is the quiet knock. A man steps in, closes the door, and lowers his voice.
“Doc, it keeps happening. I get close, then nothing. I am not sure what to do.”
I smile and say what I always mean. “You are not alone, and you are not broken. Let us take this one step at a time.” Many men experience occasional erection trouble, and it often has simple contributors like stress, poor sleep, or alcohol. If it becomes frequent, we look a little deeper and make a plan together.
The consult: a real conversation
Patient: “It is been a few months. I am 39. I feel fine otherwise.”
Me: “Thanks for trusting me with this. First, it is common, and it is treatable. We will keep it practical and private.”
Patient: “Is it all in my head?”
Me: “Sometimes the mind is the main driver. Sometimes the body is. Often it is a mix. If you notice morning or masturbation erections are okay but partner sex is hard to maintain, that points more to stress or performance worry. If erections are difficult in every situation, we check physical factors too.”
Patient: “What do we do now?”
Me: “Three things today. One, understand the pattern. Two, tidy up the basics that help erections. Three, decide whether you want a private online consult or a face-to-face review.”
1) Understand the pattern
I ask about timing, fatigue, alcohol, medications, relationship stress, sleep, and exercise. We note whether morning erections are present. We look for red flags like chest pain, severe breathlessness, pelvic trauma, or sudden new erectile problems after starting a medicine, which deserve prompt medical attention.
Simple tracker for the next 7 days
- Sleep hours and quality
- Alcohol units
- Stress level out of 10
- Morning erections yes or no
- Any difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- Notes on context like heavy meal or late night
2) Tidy up the basics
No medical claims here, just commonsense health moves that support sexual function and general wellbeing.
- Cut back alcohol this week.
- Aim for regular movement most days.
- If you smoke, consider a quit plan. Smoking is linked with erection problems. Australian Health Department
- Prioritise sleep and simple stress-reduction like breathing exercises or a brisk evening walk.
- Keep intimacy gentle and pressure-free for a while.
These steps are not cures. They simply create better conditions for erections and for heart health.
3) Choose your next step
Some men prefer a private online pathway that is discreet and structured. Others want an in-person GP check. Both are valid. If you choose an online route, make sure the service uses Australian-licensed doctors and follows local rules for safe, balanced information that avoids unrealistic claims.
You can start with a confidential online ED consult at DirectMeds. You will answer a few questions, a doctor reviews your case, and you will get guidance tailored to you. If anything suggests a face-to-face exam or tests, that is what we recommend. That is good care.
A short dialogue you can borrow with your partner
You: “I care about us. Lately my erections have been unreliable and it is stressing me out. It is not your fault.”
Partner: “Thanks for telling me. What would help right now?”
You: “Less pressure, more time together, and maybe different ways of being intimate while I work on sleep, alcohol, and stress. I am also speaking with a doctor.”
Partner: “Let us try that. We are a team.”
Is erectile dysfunction normal, or should I worry?
Occasional loss of erection is common and often tied to tiredness or alcohol. Ongoing difficulties can be a sign to check in with a doctor so you do not miss things like high blood pressure, diabetes, or low mood. Think of ED as a nudge to look after whole-of-body health, not a verdict on your masculinity.
Your 7-day starter plan
- Track using the simple log above.
- Alcohol holiday for one week.
- Move daily in a way you enjoy.
- Sleep 7 to 9 hours where possible.
- Pressure-free intimacy with your partner.
- Review meds with a professional if you suspect a side effect.
- Book help if problems persist. A private option is DirectMeds online consultation.
Why I am raising awareness
ED is common in Australia and becomes more likely with age and with health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Stigma keeps men silent, which delays simple help. Starting the conversation is often the hardest part.
FAQ
Is erectile dysfunction common in Australia?
Yes. Many Australian men over 45 report some degree of erection difficulty. Age and chronic health conditions increase risk. This is a reason to check in early, not a reason to panic. [1]
How do I tell if stress is the main issue?
If morning or solo erections are okay but partner sex is difficult, that pattern often points to stress or performance worry. A short period of low pressure intimacy and basic stress support can help while you seek personalised advice. [2]
What should I do before any consult?
Bring a one-week tracker with sleep, alcohol, stress, morning erections, and any difficulties. Note medicines or supplements. This makes your consult faster and more effective. [3]
Are online services okay for ED in Australia?
Yes, provided they use Australian-licensed doctors and follow local safety rules. Choose services that are transparent about who they are and how they work. [4]
References
[1] Healthy Male. Erectile dysfunction overview, risk factors and prevalence.
[2] NHS Inform. Situational erections and psychological factors in ED. NHS inform
[3] Healthy Male. Practical assessment points for ED.
4] Therapeutic Goods Administration. Applying the Advertising Code, accuracy and balance in public advertising. Last updated 11 March 2025.
[5] Healthdirect Australia. ED basics and when to seek help.
Ready to take the next step?
If you would like discreet, judgement-free help, begin a confidential online ED consultation with DirectMeds. Australian-licensed doctors, 100 percent online, private delivery, and ongoing support.
This article is general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, consult your licensed healthcare provider such as DirectMeds.