Penile erection is a complex interaction of the nervous system, blood circulation, hormones, and emotion state. Therefore, symptoms may suggest a psychological problem such as depression, and/or a medical problem such as diabetes. Any one of these conditions can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms include:

  • A less firm penis
  • Fewer erections
  • Fewer spontaneous nighttime erections

Nerves that cause sensation in the penis differ from those that cause erections, so it is possible to feel sensations without getting an erection. Also, orgasm is possible without erection.