Men’s Health Week: ED Checks Without Shame

More than 1 in 4 Australian men aged 18–64 in the Ten to Men study experienced erectile dysfunction (ED). That means ED is not rare, not “just an older bloke’s problem”, and definitely not something that says anything about your worth, masculinity, attractiveness, or relationship future. It’s a common health issue — and a very treatable one. This Men’s Health Week in Australia, which runs from 15–21 June 2026, is a timely reminder to turn an awkward topic into a useful health check.

Erectile dysfunction is one of those conditions people often whisper about, joke about, or Google at midnight — but rarely discuss openly with a doctor. And that silence matters. ED can be caused by stress, anxiety, alcohol, sleep, relationship tension, medications, low testosterone, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, heart and blood vessel disease, and more. In other words, your erections can sometimes act like a dashboard light for your broader health.

So, for Men’s Health Week, let’s take the shame out of the conversation. In this guide, we’ll explain what erectile dysfunction actually is, why a proper men’s health check matters, what an ED assessment may involve in Australia, which treatment options are commonly used, and how discreet ED treatment in Australia — including telehealth — can help men get evidence-based support without sitting in a waiting room feeling uncomfortable.

First: what counts as erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction means ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfactory sex. It can look different for different people. For one man, it might mean not being able to get an erection at all. For another, it might mean losing firmness before or during sex. For someone else, it might mean erections are less reliable than they used to be, even though things “sometimes work”.

The key word is ongoing. A one-off erection issue after a big night, a stressful work week, poor sleep, too much alcohol, or a nerve-wracking first date is very common. Better Health Channel notes that occasional erectile difficulty can happen from tiredness, alcohol or anxiety, and is not automatically a reason to panic. But if it keeps happening, is getting worse, is worrying you, or is affecting your confidence or relationship, it’s worth getting checked.

ED also does not necessarily mean low libido. You can want sex and still have difficulty with erections. It does not necessarily mean infertility. It does not necessarily mean you are not attracted to your partner. And it certainly does not mean you have “failed”. It means your body, brain, blood vessels, hormones, nerves, medicines, stress levels, or relationship context may need a closer look.

If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is ED or performance anxiety, our NextClinic guide, “Is It ED or Just Nerves? 3 Myths Stopping You From Performing”, breaks down that difference in a practical, non-judgemental way.

Why ED is a men’s health issue, not just a bedroom issue

It’s tempting to think of ED as a private sexual problem and nothing more. But medically, ED can be linked with several major areas of men’s health.

An erection depends on blood flow, nerve signals, hormones, psychological arousal, and a sense of safety and connection. If any part of that chain is affected, erections may become less reliable. Healthdirect lists physical contributors such as reduced blood flow from atherosclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, sleep disorders, smoking, alcohol and substance use, as well as psychological factors such as stress, depression, anxiety and relationship issues.

Healthy Male explains that ED can be an early warning sign of serious disease because the same mechanisms that control blood flow in the penis also affect blood flow throughout the body. It also notes that ED is often a sign of cardiovascular disease and that people with ED may have higher-than-normal risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and death.

That might sound scary, but it’s actually the useful part: ED can be an opportunity. If you act on it, you may uncover high blood pressure, diabetes risk, cholesterol issues, medication side effects, depression, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular risk earlier than you otherwise would.

That’s the spirit of Men’s Health Week: not alarm, not embarrassment — action.

The shame spiral: why men delay getting help

Many men don’t avoid ED care because they don’t care. They avoid it because the topic feels loaded.

You might worry the doctor will judge you. You might feel embarrassed saying the words out loud. You might tell yourself it’s “not serious enough”. You might assume treatment means taking a pill forever. You might worry your partner will think it’s about them. Or you might do what many people do: search online, buy something questionable, and hope the problem disappears.

But ED is a routine health conversation for doctors. A good clinician should treat it like any other health concern: respectfully, clinically, and without drama.

At NextClinic, we see how much relief men feel when they realise they can talk about erectile dysfunction plainly and privately. In our blog “3 Big Myths About ED Pills You Need to Stop Believing”, we discuss some of the common fears that stop men from getting safe, evidence-based care.

The most important mindset shift is this: getting an ED check is not admitting defeat; it’s taking responsibility for your health.

What an ED-focused men’s health check may include

A proper ED assessment is more than “Do you want Viagra?” The RACGP describes ED care as “much more than prescribing a pill” and highlights that assessment should include medical history, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome features, neurological conditions, urinary symptoms, sleep apnoea, depression, substance use, surgical history, medication review, sexual history, and psychosocial factors.

Depending on your situation, a men’s health check for ED may include the following.

1. A clear description of what’s happening

Your doctor may ask:

• When did the problem start?
• Is it occasional, frequent, or every time?
• Can you get erections in the morning or during masturbation?
• Is it worse with a partner than alone?
• Has libido changed?
• Are there ejaculation, orgasm, pain, curvature, or urinary symptoms?
• Is there stress, depression, anxiety, relationship tension, or recent life change?

These questions help distinguish physical, psychological, medication-related, hormonal, and mixed causes. ED is often not one single thing — it’s a combination.

2. Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk

Blood pressure matters because erections depend on healthy blood vessels. RACGP guidance includes blood pressure measurement and cardiovascular assessment as part of ED evaluation, and it notes that ED can precede coronary symptoms and may be considered an early cardiovascular marker.

The Heart Foundation explains that a Heart Health Check with a GP helps estimate the risk of heart attack or stroke in the next five years. It may include discussion of smoking, diabetes, medicines, family history and other factors, plus checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Eligibility generally includes people aged 45 and over, people with diabetes from age 35, and First Nations peoples from age 30, provided they do not already have heart disease.

Even if you’re younger than those age groups, ED plus chest pain, breathlessness, diabetes, high blood pressure, a strong family history, smoking, or reduced exercise tolerance should prompt a medical review.

3. Blood tests when appropriate

Blood tests may be used to look for common contributors. RACGP lists morning testosterone, HbA1c or fasting blood glucose, and a lipid panel as part of ED assessment when clinically appropriate.

That matters because diabetes, cholesterol issues and hormonal problems can develop quietly. The ABS National Health Survey reported that in 2022, 5.3% of Australians had diabetes, 8.4% reported high cholesterol, and 74.5% of adults with high measured blood pressure did not report having hypertension — a reminder that “I feel fine” does not always mean “my numbers are fine”.

4. Medication and supplement review

Some commonly used medicines can affect erections, including certain blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, psychiatric medicines, prostate medicines and others. Better Health Channel and RACGP both note that prescribed medicines can cause or worsen ED, and RACGP recommends considering alternatives where medication-induced ED is suspected.

This does not mean you should stop prescribed medicines yourself. Some medications are protecting your heart, mood, blood pressure or other vital functions. It means you should tell your doctor what you’re taking — including supplements, “herbal” sexual products, gym compounds, recreational substances and online pills — so they can help you weigh risks and options safely.

5. Mental health and stress check

Erections are physical, but they are not only physical. Stress, depression, anxiety, performance pressure, past sexual experiences, relationship conflict and body image can all contribute. Healthdirect lists stress, depression, anxiety and relationship issues as psychological contributors to ED.

RACGP also notes that ED and depression can have a bidirectional relationship: depression and its treatments can contribute to ED, while sexual dysfunction itself may worsen mood.

That’s why “just relax” is not helpful advice. A better approach is: identify what’s driving the cycle, reduce pressure, treat anxiety or depression where present, improve communication, and consider counselling or sex therapy when appropriate.

6. Sexual health and STI testing

A men’s health check can also be a good moment to review sexual health more broadly. The Australian Government’s STI testing advice says anyone sexually active should have regular sexual health check-ups and STI testing every 6 to 12 months, even in a long-term relationship and even when condoms are used; testing is also recommended with a new partner, and more often for people with multiple partners. Sexually active men who have sex with men are advised to have a sexual health check-up every three months.

STI testing is not about judgement. It’s maintenance — like checking tyre pressure before a long drive. Many STIs can have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.

7. Prostate and bowel screening conversations

ED is not the same as prostate cancer, and most ED is not caused by cancer. However, a men’s health check is a good opportunity to ask what age-appropriate screening applies to you.

For prostate cancer, Cancer Council Australia explains that the PSA blood test and digital rectal examination can show changes in the prostate but do not diagnose prostate cancer on their own; abnormal findings usually require further tests. PSA levels can also be raised for non-cancer reasons, including benign prostate enlargement, infection or recent sexual activity.

RACGP preventive guidelines state that men aged 50–69 at average risk who have been informed of the benefits and harms and choose testing may be offered PSA testing every two years; men with family history may be offered testing earlier depending on risk level.

For bowel cancer, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program now includes eligible Australians aged 45–74 every two years, with people aged 45–49 able to request their first free screening kit and people aged 50–74 continuing to receive kits automatically.

These checks are not “ED tests”, but they are part of the bigger Men’s Health Week message: don’t wait until something becomes serious before you pay attention.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction

ED often has more than one cause. Here are the big categories.

Blood flow and heart health

Reduced blood flow to the penis is one of the most common physical pathways. Blood vessel health can be affected by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The Australian Government notes that smoking is a cause of impotence and that in Australia, 1 in 5 men over 40 have some problem with erections, while 1 in 10 men over 40 are unable to get an erection. It also explains that nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes may reduce blood flow to the penis and damage blood vessels over time.

Diabetes and metabolic health

Diabetes can affect blood vessels and nerves, both of which are essential for erections. Healthy Male says people with diabetes are more than twice as likely to have ED compared with people without diabetes.

This is one reason ED can be a prompt to check blood glucose or HbA1c, especially if you also have thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight changes, family history, abdominal weight gain, or past “borderline” results.

Hormones

Low testosterone can contribute to lower libido, fatigue, mood changes and erection issues. But testosterone is not the cause of every ED problem, and testosterone therapy is not a universal ED treatment. RACGP guidance includes morning testosterone testing where appropriate and recommends treating reversible causes such as low testosterone when identified.

Stress, anxiety and performance pressure

Performance anxiety can turn one bad experience into a loop: worry about erections leads to adrenaline and tension, which makes erections harder, which increases worry next time. If erections are normal during sleep or masturbation but unreliable with a partner, psychological or situational factors may be playing a bigger role. Better Health Channel notes that morning or overnight erections can suggest a psychological component when partnered erections are difficult.

Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs

Alcohol can reduce arousal and erection quality in the short term, and heavier use can affect health long term. Smoking harms blood vessels. Some recreational drugs can interfere with sexual function, mental health, sleep and cardiovascular safety. Australian Prescriber lists alcohol and illicit drug use among ED risk factors and emphasises lifestyle modification as part of multimodal management.

Medications

Antidepressants, some antihypertensives, antipsychotics, antiandrogens, opioids and other medicines may contribute to ED in some people. But again: do not stop them abruptly. Bring the issue to a doctor so you can discuss safer alternatives, dose timing, or additional treatment options.

Relationship and communication factors

Sex happens in context. Relationship tension, fear of disappointing a partner, unresolved conflict, lack of privacy, mismatched desire, pain, fertility stress, parenting fatigue and body image can all influence erections. Australian Prescriber highlights that ED causes can be biological, psychological, sociocultural, relational and sexual — not simply “physical or mental”.

ED treatment in Australia: what actually helps?

The right treatment depends on the cause, your health history, what medicines you take, your preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle advice can sound boring, but it is often powerful because erections rely heavily on blood vessel health. Healthdirect lists stopping smoking, increasing exercise, losing weight and eating healthy food as ways some causes of ED may be prevented.

This does not mean you need to become a marathon runner or eat perfectly. Small, repeatable steps can help: a daily walk, reducing alcohol before sex, quitting smoking support, better sleep, treating snoring or suspected sleep apnoea, improving diabetes control, and following up blood pressure or cholesterol.

Psychological support and sex therapy

If anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress or performance pressure are part of the picture, psychological treatment can help. Healthdirect notes that CBT, sex therapy and partner involvement may be recommended when psychological factors are causing or triggering ED.

For many men, the most helpful first step is simply removing pressure from sex. That might mean focusing on intimacy without penetration for a while, agreeing with a partner that sex does not need to “prove” anything, or seeking counselling together.

PDE5 inhibitor medicines

ED medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil and avanafil work by helping relax blood vessels in the penis, making it easier for blood to flow in response to sexual stimulation. They do not create desire, do not cause an erection without sexual stimulation, and do not work for everyone.

Australian Prescriber explains that oral PDE5 inhibitors are often prescribed for ED and that clear instructions matter. They generally work best when used correctly, with realistic expectations, appropriate timing, and awareness that anxiety, alcohol, large meals and not waiting long enough can affect response.

Importantly, PDE5 inhibitors are not suitable for everyone. Healthdirect warns that you should check with a GP before using erectile medicines because they may interact with other medicines, and they should not be taken with nitrate medicines used for chest pain.

Devices, injections and specialist options

If tablets are not suitable or do not work, other options may include vacuum devices, penile injections, rings, implants or specialist referral. Healthdirect and Australian Prescriber both note that ED treatment options can include counselling, injections, devices and, in some cases, surgical approaches.

A urologist may be appropriate if there is penile curvature, pain, suspected Peyronie’s disease, complex medical history, prostate cancer treatment history, pelvic surgery, poor response to first-line treatment, or concern about testosterone, fertility or urinary symptoms.

A warning about “no prescription” ED pills online

It can feel easier to buy ED pills online than speak to a clinician. But this is one area where privacy should never come at the expense of safety.

Healthdirect states that you need a doctor’s prescription to buy ED medicines in Australia, and that internet medicines bought without a prescription may be poor quality, may not contain the claimed ingredients, or may contain unsafe ingredients.

The TGA’s 2026 advice on buying health products safely online specifically mentions imported ED medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil. It warns that laboratory testing shows the vast majority of these products are counterfeit and may contain undisclosed or harmful ingredients, incorrect dosages or undeclared prescription medicines. The TGA recommends buying from a trusted source such as an Australian registered pharmacy and being wary of sellers offering prescription-only medicines without a prescription.

In simple terms: if a website offers prescription ED medicine with no prescription, no proper assessment and no safety questions, that’s not discreet care — that’s a risk.

How discreet telehealth care can help

Telehealth can make ED care feel more approachable. You can talk from home, avoid a waiting room, and have a structured conversation with a doctor about symptoms, medical history, medicines, risk factors and treatment options.

At NextClinic, we support men across Australia with online healthcare, including ED-related care, where clinically appropriate. Our ED service is built around privacy, flexibility and evidence-based treatment, with options for delivery or self-dispensing at a pharmacy depending on the plan and clinical suitability. We also emphasise that information is kept confidential and that treatment can be adjusted if it is not working as expected.

For broader health concerns, our telehealth consultations allow patients to speak with Australian doctors online for medical advice, prescriptions, referrals or certificates where clinically appropriate.

Telehealth is not a replacement for emergency care or every in-person examination. If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, symptoms of stroke, sudden severe testicular pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, or any urgent or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 or attend an emergency department.

But for many men with non-emergency ED concerns, telehealth can be a practical first step. It can help you understand whether ED medication is appropriate, whether blood tests or a heart health review are needed, whether mental health or relationship support may help, and whether you should see a GP or specialist in person.

If your ED is occasional and you’re unsure whether to book, our blog “Should You See a Doctor for Occasional ED?” walks through when it’s sensible to get checked sooner rather than waiting.

How to prepare for an ED telehealth appointment

You don’t need a perfect script. But a little preparation can make the appointment more useful.

Before your consultation, consider jotting down:

• When the issue started.
• Whether it happens every time or only sometimes.
• Whether morning or masturbation erections still occur.
• Any change in libido.
• Any pain, curvature, urinary symptoms or ejaculation changes.
• Your current medicines, supplements and recreational substances.
• Any history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, prostate issues, pelvic surgery or depression.
• Smoking, vaping, alcohol and exercise habits.
• Recent stress, sleep problems, relationship changes or performance anxiety.
• What you’ve already tried, including online pills or supplements.

Be honest. A doctor is not there to be shocked; they’re there to assess risk and help you safely.

A simple Men’s Health Week ED check plan

If you’ve been avoiding this topic, don’t try to solve everything in one night. Use Men’s Health Week as a reset.

Day 1: Name it without judgement

Say to yourself: “I’ve been having erection difficulties. It’s common, and I can get it checked.” That one sentence can cut through months of shame.

Day 2: Check your risk factors

Ask: When was my last blood pressure check? Cholesterol? Blood sugar? Weight or waist measurement? Heart health review? If you don’t know, that’s useful information.

Day 3: Review your medicines

List your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and recreational substances. Do not stop anything suddenly — just prepare the list.

Day 4: Look at lifestyle patterns

Notice sleep, alcohol, smoking, exercise, stress and diet. Pick one small lever, not ten. For example: no alcohol before sex for a fortnight, a 20-minute walk most days, or booking help to quit smoking.

Day 5: Talk to your partner if it feels safe

You might say: “I’ve been feeling pressure because erections haven’t been reliable. I’m going to get it checked. I want us to handle it as a team.” Keep it simple. ED often becomes less powerful when it stops being a secret.

Day 6: Book the check

Choose your usual GP, a sexual health clinic, or a reputable Australian telehealth provider. If you prefer a private online pathway, NextClinic can help adult patients explore ED care where clinically appropriate.

Day 7: Follow through

If blood tests, blood pressure checks, medication changes, counselling, STI testing or follow-up appointments are recommended, do them. ED care works best when it is treated as health care, not a one-off panic purchase.

Frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction

Is ED normal?

Occasional erection difficulty is normal. Ongoing ED is common, but it is still worth checking because it can have treatable causes and may point to broader health issues. Healthdirect says ED is very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 males, and that doctors can do a health check and prescribe ED medicine if suitable.

Does ED mean I have heart disease?

Not always. But ED and cardiovascular health are linked closely enough that ongoing ED should prompt a conversation about blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, weight, exercise and family history. Healthy Male describes ED as an early warning sign that requires investigation, particularly because the same blood flow mechanisms involved in erections are involved throughout the body.

Can young men get ED?

Yes. ED is more common with age, but it can affect younger men too. Healthy Male notes that up to 10% of men under 40 may be affected. In younger men, stress, anxiety, performance pressure, alcohol, recreational drugs, medications, pornography-related concerns, relationship factors and undiagnosed health conditions can all play a role.

Are ED tablets safe?

They can be safe and effective for many men when prescribed appropriately, but they are not suitable for everyone. They can interact with some medicines and must not be used with nitrate medicines for chest pain. A proper assessment is important before starting.

What if ED tablets don’t work?

Sometimes they haven’t been used correctly, the dose is not right, anxiety or alcohol is interfering, or there is an underlying issue such as diabetes, severe vascular disease, low testosterone, pelvic surgery history or relationship stress. Australian Prescriber notes that severe vascular disease, pelvic surgery, anxiety and unrealistic expectations can contribute to poor response to PDE5 inhibitors.

Can telehealth prescribe ED treatment in Australia?

Telehealth can be appropriate for many ED consultations when a doctor can safely assess symptoms, health history, medicines, risk factors and suitability. However, prescriptions are never just a formality. They depend on clinical judgement, safety and whether the treatment is appropriate for you.

The bottom line: ED checks should be normal

ED is common. ED is treatable. ED is not a punchline, a personal failure, or something you need to hide for years.

The most important insight for Men’s Health Week is this: erectile dysfunction is often a useful health signal. It can point toward blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking, alcohol, sleep, stress, medication side effects, testosterone, relationship dynamics, mental health or cardiovascular risk. A good ED check looks at the whole person — not just the prescription pad.

This week, choose one action: book a men’s health check, check your blood pressure, organise blood tests, review your medications with a doctor, start an STI screening routine, reduce alcohol before sex, talk honestly with your partner, or begin a discreet telehealth assessment.

If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to help you do it privately, respectfully and without shame.

What strategy will you try this week — booking the check, starting the conversation, or changing one health habit? Share your chosen step or your results in the comments.

References

• The health of men in Australia - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Erectile dysfunction - symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
• Erectile dysfunction | Better Health Channel
• Is It ED or Just Nerves? 3 Myths Stopping You From Performing
• Erectile dysfunction: Causes, diagnosis & treatment | Healthy Male
• 3 Big Myths About ED Pills You Need to Stop Believing
• RACGP - Much more than prescribing a pill – Assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction by the general practitioner
• Time to book a Heart Health Check? | Heart Foundation
• National Health Survey, 2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Testing for sexually transmissible infections | STI campaign – Beforeplay | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Diagnosing prostate cancer | Cancer Council Australia
• RACGP - Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice
• Bowel Cancer Screening Program FAQs | Cancer Council Australia
• Smoking and erectile dysfunction | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Causes, assessment and management options for erectile dysfunction
• Buying health products safely online | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
• ED Treatment Online | NextClinic Australia
• Telehealth Doctors Online | Same Day Telehealth GP
• Should You See a Doctor for Occasional ED?

FAQs