Occasional erectile dysfunction is not uncommon, but if it's persistent, erectile dysfunction can be the sign of a more serious health issue, and so you should visit your doctor.
Sexual Health
Genital herpes transmission
Genital herpes is transmitted (spread) by direct skin-to-skin contact, especially during intimate sexual contact, with a person who is infected with the herpes simplex virus.
Herpes treatments
Although there is currently no cure for genital herpes (a common STI in Australia), treatments are available that can reduce the severity, frequency and duration of episodes.
How effective is the morning after pill?
Types of emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill can prevent an unwanted pregnancy following unprotected intercourse.
Chlamydia
Looking for reliable information on Chlamydia? Visit MyDr for expert advice, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this sexually transmitted disease.
Erection: how it works
The spongy erectile tissue of the penis fills with blood during an erection. View this illustrated explanation of how erection works.
Condoms
Condoms can be used to prevent both pregnancy and the transmission of STIs, but should be used with appropriate lubricants to make them less likely to break. Only water-based lubricants should be used with latex condoms.
Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is condition where a band of scar tissue forms in the penis, causing a pronounced bend or curve in the penis when it is erect. Peyronie’s disease can affect a man’s sex life.
Priapism
Priapism, a persistent erection not caused by sexual desire or stimulation, is caused by problems with the nerves or blood vessels in the penis, which results in blood remaining trapped in the penis.
Undescended testicles
About 1 in 20 boys in Australia are born with undescended testicles – a condition known as cryptorchidism where the testes have not moved down into the scrotum.
