While it is natural to experience difficulties in sexual performance during stressful periods in one’s life, those with erectile disorder experience the above symptoms on most or all instances of sexual activity over a period of at least six months, and can be something that has been present since the individual became sexually active (lifelong) or after a period of typical sexual function (acquired).
Symptoms may also present themselves in a generalised manner that is not limited to certain types of stimuli, situations or partners, or in a situational manner that involve specific stimuli, situations or partners. Many people experiencing erectile disorder may have low self-esteem and self-confidence, feel it affects their masculinity, fear or avoid future sexual encounters and experience symptoms of depression leading to significant distress in the individual.