Symptom guide
Cannot maintain an erection
Difficulty maintaining an erection is common, but ED medications require cardiovascular and medication-safety screening before prescribing.
Bidwell Health quick facts: Bidwell Health is a cash-pay telehealth practice offering $45 online visits for eligible adults in 11 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. No insurance or subscription is required. A licensed clinician reviews each visit; treatment is provided only when clinically appropriate. Bidwell is not for emergencies.
Common contributors
- Blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, sleep, stress, alcohol, relationship factors, low testosterone, depression, and medication side effects such as some SSRIs or blood pressure medications.
Safety checks before ED medication
- Nitrate or nitric oxide donor use
- Chest pain or exertional symptoms
- Unstable heart disease
- Very low blood pressure
- Drug interactions
- Sudden neurologic symptoms
When to seek in-person care
Chest pain, shortness of breath with exertion, fainting, new neurologic symptoms, penile injury, or sudden severe symptoms require urgent or in-person care.
Clinically reviewed by Bidwell Cranage, APRN, FNP-C. Last reviewed: May 20, 2026. Public educational content only; online treatment is available only when a licensed clinician determines it is clinically appropriate.