Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Is Erectile Dysfunction Due To Lack Of Use?

Q. My husband is 61 and vigorous. He insists that his difficulty with erections is due to us having sex less often than three to five times a week. We manage roughly once a week, but that is challenging since he is not even semi-hard. Is it possible that lack of use causes a man to lose his erection?

I’m 50 and believe I’m starting menopause. My sex drive isn’t what it used to be. I hope you can answer this question and help us settle the conflict.

A. Your husband is mistaken. According to Irwin Goldstein, MD, editor of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, having sex every day–even if that were feasible–would not restore your husband’s ability to have an erection.

Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of underlying medical problems and requires a complete checkup. Certain medications might also be responsible. ED can be treated successfully with drugs or devices. Your libido can also be given a boost if your hormones are out of balance.

We are sending you our Guides to Drugs That Affect Sexuality and Female Sexuality so both of you can consider options for improving your sex life without blame.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
2- 1 rating
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.