Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It is common and often the first sign of cardiovascular or metabolic problems. Assessment involves a focused history, blood pressure, and blood tests for glucose, cholesterol and testosterone. Treatment is effective and confidential.
Key information
- Symptom
- Erectile dysfunction
- Category
- Men's health
- Common possible causes
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension, Diabetes and prediabetes, Raised cholesterol, Low testosterone
- Tests that may be considered
- HbA1c, Lipid profile, Morning total testosterone, SHBG
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Common possible causes
- · Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- · Diabetes and prediabetes
- · Raised cholesterol
- · Low testosterone
- · Stress, anxiety and relationship factors
- · Smoking and alcohol
- · Certain medications
Less common possible causes
- · Neurological conditions
- · Prostate surgery
- · Peyronie's disease
- · Sleep apnoea
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Undiagnosed cardiovascular disease presenting as ED
- · Chest pain during exertion
- · Sudden loss of erectile function after pelvic injury
- · New severe headaches or visual changes
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Chest pain with ED symptoms
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Gradual onset ED
- · ED with stress or life changes
- · Testosterone assessment
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How long has it been going on?
- · Morning erections present?
- · Any relationship or stress factors?
- · Any cardiovascular symptoms?
- · Medications including recreational drugs?
History factors that may matter
- · Diabetes
- · Hypertension
- · Smoking
- · Prostate treatment
- · Depression
Medicines that may contribute
- · Some antihypertensives (thiazides, beta-blockers)
- · SSRIs
- · Finasteride
- · Opioids
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Blood pressure
- · Cardiovascular examination
- · Genital and testicular examination
- · Prostate examination where indicated
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · HbA1c
- · Lipid profile
- · Morning total testosterone
- · SHBG
- · TSH
- · Full blood count
Other tests
- · Sleep study if apnoea suspected
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Urology for structural or refractory cases
- · Cardiology if ischaemic disease suspected
- · Endocrinology for confirmed hypogonadism
Possible treatment approaches
- · Lifestyle change — exercise, weight, sleep, alcohol
- · PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) when appropriate
- · Manage cardiovascular and metabolic disease
- · Testosterone replacement for confirmed hypogonadism
- · Psychological therapy for performance anxiety
Safe self-care
- · Regular aerobic and strength exercise
- · Reduce alcohol, stop smoking
- · Improve sleep quality
- · Open communication with partner
Best avoided
- · Unregulated online ED medication
- · Ignoring cardiovascular warning signs
How Aafiyah can help
- · Confidential GP consultation in clinic or at home
- · Same-week hormonal and cardiovascular blood panel
- · Discreet prescription if clinically appropriate
- · Onward referral to urology or cardiology when needed
Frequently asked questions
Is ED a sign of heart disease?+
It can be — the small blood vessels in the penis are affected before larger coronary vessels. New ED is a reason to check blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
Do I need testosterone treatment?+
Only if morning testosterone is confirmed low on repeated testing with symptoms — TRT has risks and requires monitoring.
Is it confidential?+
Yes — Aafiyah Care operates strict clinical confidentiality.
Medical references
- · British Society for Sexual Medicine guideline — bssm.org.uk
- · NICE CKS — Erectile dysfunction — cks.nice.org.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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