OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr. Zoe is helping a reader who has erectile problems.

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Q) I am 66 and I have had erectile problems for a year now. I can only get a semi-hard erection.

Will it come back, or do I need to see someone? It really bothers me and I want to get it fixed.

A) If you haven’t already, you need to make an appointment to see a doctor.

There are several medical reasons why a man may develop erectile dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

In fact, the arteries that supply the penis are often the first arteries to be damaged if someone has had significant cardiovascular disease, which is a disease of the heart and blood vessels.

See your doctor, do a physical exam, get your blood pressure checked and blood work, and have a heart health also check.

If all this comes back normal, then at least yours GP will be in a better place to decide what tests you may need next or where to be referred further investigation.

It is also worth pointing out that there can also be psychological reasons that prevent an erection.

Depressionanxiety or simply being under too much stress can make it difficult to get an erection, or the pressure to ‘perform’ sexually – which can trigger a vicious cycle.

You don’t say if you’re in a relationship, but being open about it with your partner and asking for their understanding and support while you figure it out would be worthwhile.

Keep at it though, as it may take a while to get to the bottom of it.