

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
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Have you ever found yourself wondering what exactly causes erection difficulties (ED)? Well, you're not alone. It turns out that it's a pretty widespread issue, with nearly 1 in 3 guys in the UK having dealt with it at some point.*
No need to sweep it under the rug anymore. In this article, we're diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty of ED—covering everything from physical health to what's happening inside your head and how your lifestyle plays into the mix. It's time to smash that taboo surrounding men's sexual health and open up the conversation. So, buckle up and let's get honest about what's going on down there.
*Estimated from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2021 UK population data and Irrational quantitative survey 2021, where 3,445 (i.e. 34%) of 10,197 adult men qualified or identified as suffering from Erectile Dysfunction.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse.1 And it’s more common than you think .
Although the definition doesn't specify a specific duration of experiencing symptoms, some experts suggest that if the problem lasts for six months or longer, it may be considered ED. ED is quite common in men aged 40 and above, with its occurrence rising as age and other health issues increase.1 Regardless, this condition can affect men of all ages and has various underlying causes.1
If you are having trouble keeping it up occasionally, it might not ring any alarm bells. But if you find yourself dealing with erectile dysfunction regularly, it can lead to increased stress, put a strain on your relationships, and chip away at your confidence.2 That’s why getting a thorough check-up and treatment for ED is crucial.
Who gets ED?

ED doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age, but it tends to be more common as men get older. But there’s no need to suffer in silence — there is help out there if you are willing to reach out.
What are the types of sexual dysfunction?
When we talk about sexual dysfunction, we are talking about anything that stops you or your partner from getting the satisfaction you are after in the bedroom. It’s an umbrella term that covers all the issues that can pop up during sexual activity.4
Now, when it comes to what's causing these hiccups, we can split it into two main camps: physical and psychological. Think of it like this—your body and your brain are tag-teaming to help you get things going, and if one of them isn't pulling its weight, you might run into some trouble in the arousal department. Whether it's something going on down there or up here, there are a few factors at play when it comes to sexual dysfunction.
Physical erectile dysfunction
Picture this as the kind of ED that's more about what's happening in your body. This type of ED is often caused by physical factors such as blood flow problems and nerve damage or can be related to medical or surgical treatment. This one's more common if you've got conditions like diabetes or heart issues or if you've had surgery, like prostate surgery.5 Symptoms? Think trouble getting or keeping things up when it's time for some action, along with a dip in your sexual desire and maybe even a case of hitting the finish line too soon or too late.5
Psychogenic erectile dysfunction
This type of ED is more about what’s going on in your head. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or performance anxiety.5 With psychogenic ED, you might find yourself struggling to rise to the occasion, especially when you're feeling the pressure in certain stressful or emotional situations.5
Both types of erectile dysfunction can have a significant impact on your quality of life and relationships, but it’s not something to be ashamed of. Don’t be shy about speaking to your healthcare provider — they are the experts who can help you figure out what's going on and find the proper treatment to get you back in the game.

Symptoms of weak erection
Not as hard as you used to be? Experiencing a weak erection can be concerning and affect many aspects of your life. Here are a few signs to watch out for:4,6
- Having Trouble Getting or Keeping It Up : When it's go time, you might struggle to rise to the occasion or have a tough time keeping things going once you're in the groove.
- Not Quite Firm Enough for the Job : Ever had that frustrating moment where you're all set to dive in, but your soldier just isn't standing at attention as it should? Yeah, that's no fun.
- Needing a Little Extra Nudge : If it feels like you need to crank up the stimulation dial to get things going—or keep them going—well, that's a sign, too.
These symptoms might be trying to tell you something about what's going on under the hood. Please don’t ignore them. There's no shame in getting a little expert advice when it comes to matters of the bedroom.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction has many potential causes ranging from physical to psychological and lifestyle-related. But, the most common reason is other medical conditions that affect your body’s ability to deliver blood to your penis.2
Physical causes
Physical causes
Did you know that 90% of men with ED difficulties will have at least one underlying physical cause for their problem?7 Some physical causes can include:2
- Diabetes or diabetes-related neuropathy
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease
Psychological causes
Psychological causes
Your emotions can also take a heavy toll on your erection. Feeling relaxed, confident, and aroused is vital to success in the bedroom, but it's normal to experience occasional erection issues, especially if you’re feeling nervous, anxious, frustrated, or tired.
Psychological causes of ED include: 3,6
- Anxiety
- Fear of intimacy
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Stress
Side effect of certain medications
Side effect of certain medications
Erectile dysfunction is often listed as a potential side effect of many prescription drugs, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and muscle relaxants.3
Remember that it’s important to take medicines as prescribed, but if you are experiencing ED, speak to a doctor. They may be able to tweak your prescription or suggest alternatives.
Other causes
Other causes
Besides physical and psychological factors, there are several other causes of ED. Here are some of these less frequently encountered contributors:2
- Smoking
- Substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol
- Injuries to your penis and surrounding areas, like a penile fracture
- Radiation therapy.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction
Now that you understand the ins and outs of ED, let’s discuss how to tackle it head-on. One option to deal with ED is medication, which is where Cialis Together comes in.
Cialis Together is a medication commonly used to treat ED in men. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It is the first non-prescription treatment that gives you up to36 hours to help forget about erection difficulties, focus on your partner, and enjoy sex the way nature intended.
Cialis Together can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity and gives you up to36 hours, allowing you to take it at your convenience and helping to ensure effectiveness when required.
And here’s the thing: you don't need a prescription to get your hands on Cialis Together. That's right—total convenience at your fingertips, to give you the power to take charge of your sex life whenever the mood strikes. We do recommend speaking to a pharmacist, so they can confirm whether this is the right treatment for you before you buy it.
If you have a health condition that you’re taking medication for, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor first. They can review your medical history, make sure Cialis Together plays nice with any other meds. Remember to see your doctor within 6 months of starting treatment with Cialis Together to help identify the cause of ED.
So, don't let ED hold you back from the awesome sex life you deserve—Cialis Together is here to help you reclaim your mojo and get back in the game.
Conclusion
Give Cialis® Together 10mg Tablets a go. With its straightforward approach and up to36 hours of effectiveness, Cialis Together can help you focus on enjoying intimate moments.
Take charge of your sexual health – who knows, today could be your lucky day… and a half with Cialis Together.
Cialis® Together 10mg tablets. For Erectile Dysfunction in adult men. Before taking Cialis Together tablets, discuss with your pharmacist to ensure the product is suitable for you. Contains tadalafil. Always read the label.
MAT-XU-2404160 (v1.0) March 2025