sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Male sexual problems: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department for an erection lasting about four hours, particularly if it is painful or unrelated to sexual stimulation.

    This is called priapism.

    Delayed treatment can damage penile tissue.

    Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or other possible heart symptoms during sexual activity.

    Stop sexual activity while waiting for help.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent assessment after a genital injury, especially if there was a cracking or popping sensation, immediate loss of the erection, marked swelling, bruising, or severe pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if a sexual problem keeps happening, causes distress, or is a noticeable change from your usual function.

    You should also seek assessment for reduced desire with tiredness or other possible hormone symptoms, pain during sex, a new penile curve, or a problem that began after starting a medicine.

The article also says

Mention erection problems even if you do not want treatment for sex itself.

They may justify checks for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, or other health concerns.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Male sexual problems. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.