If changes in your erections, sex drive or energy persist or worry you, arrange a GP appointment. This guide helps you describe the change, prepare a medicine list and ask about the next step.
Table of Contents
- When to speak with a GP
- What to note before your appointment
- How to start the conversation
- What to ask before you leave
When to speak with a GP
Difficulty getting or keeping an erection is different from having less interest in sex. Fatigue means feeling exhausted or short of energy. Tell the GP which change you have noticed, even if several began together.
Occasional erection difficulties can happen, but continuing problems or concerns deserve a discussion. A fall in sexual desire that troubles you, or tiredness that affects daily activities, is also worth raising. Healthdirect explains these concerns in its guides to erection difficulties, loss of sex drive and fatigue.
What to note before your appointment
A short note is enough. Include:
- When the change began and whether it happens every time or only sometimes.
- For erections, whether the difficulty is getting one, keeping one, or both; mention any change in morning erections you have noticed.
- For sexual desire, what has changed from your usual level of interest.
- For fatigue, which activities feel harder, how you are sleeping and whether rest helps.
- Other symptoms, pain, or changes in mood, stress or alcohol use around the same time.
Bring the names and doses of your medicines and supplements, including anything recently started or changed. Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. These details help the GP assess the symptoms; they do not identify the cause on their own.
How to start the conversation
You could say: "I have been having trouble keeping an erection, and I would like to discuss it." Use your own words for reduced desire or tiredness. If speaking feels difficult, hand the GP your note.
You can ask to discuss sensitive details privately with the GP. Before entering them into an online booking form, ask the practice how it handles that information and whether there is another way to share it.
What to ask before you leave
Ask what happens next and when to review the symptoms. If a test or referral is suggested, ask what it is for, how you will receive the result and who to contact if you have not heard back.
Write down the agreed plan, including what to do if the symptoms continue or change. If an explanation is unclear, ask the GP to go over it before you leave.