Written byDr Eric AllaireDr Eric Allaire

Male Impotence or Occasional Sexual Disorder?

Dr. Eric Allaire clarifies how to distinguish temporary erection issues from true erectile dysfunction and when to seek help.

Last updated October 15, 2025
5 min read
Male Impotence or Occasional Sexual Disorder?

It’s completely normal for a man to have occasional erection difficulties.
Fatigue, stress, alcohol, or emotional tension can all temporarily affect performance.
But when the problem becomes persistent, it may signal a deeper issue that requires attention.

I often meet men who blame themselves for what is, in reality, a medical condition. Understanding the difference between a temporary disorder and true erectile dysfunction is the first step toward recovery.

When It’s Just Occasional

Short-term or infrequent erection difficulties are part of life.
They usually happen after a period of stress, physical exhaustion, or excessive alcohol consumption.
If your erections return to normal after rest or when the situation improves, there’s no reason to worry.

However, if the problem persists for several months, it’s time to investigate further.

Understanding True Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity, lasting at least three months.
It’s not a question of age, virility, or desire — it’s about how blood, nerves, and hormones interact.

There are two broad categories of causes:

  1. Psychological causes – anxiety, depression, performance pressure, or relationship issues.
  2. Physical (organic) causes – vascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, hormonal imbalance, or certain medications.

In many cases, both play a role, which is why the solution often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

How I Evaluate My Patients

When I see a new patient, I start by listening carefully to their story.
Simple questions about the context of erection loss, morning erections, or response to medication can already point to the likely cause.

If physical dysfunction is suspected, I use diagnostic tools such as penile duplex sonography or Caverno-CT imaging to analyze blood flow.
In other cases, psychological factors are more significant, and we work on relaxation and confidence-building techniques.

You can begin by taking my self-assessment test.
It’s a confidential way to evaluate your situation and decide if you should schedule a consultation.

What I Tell My Patients

The most important thing to understand is that impotence is not a failure.
It’s a health issue like any other, and modern medicine can help.
I’ve seen many men regain their erections — and their confidence — simply by identifying and treating the root cause.

If you’re unsure, you can read about the available treatments or visit the patients page to understand how I approach diagnosis and care.

Conclusion

Occasional sexual difficulties are common and usually harmless.
But if your problem has persisted for several months, it deserves medical attention.
Don’t wait or self-blame — understanding the cause is the key to recovery.
With proper evaluation and treatment, normal erections can almost always be restored.

Author
Dr Eric Allaire
Dr Eric Allaire
Expert in ED (Vascular Causes), Surgeon, Researcher
Professor of vascular and endovascular surgery and member of the Académie Nationale de Chirurgie. Eric Allaire focuses on the vascular causes of erectile dysfunction, explains options in plain language, and provides discreet, evidence-based care.
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For educational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

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