Research indicates that the use of condoms may cause some men to experience erection difficulties. However, in a study of 479 heterosexual men who used condoms and were 18 to 24 years old, those who reported condom-associated erection problems were also more likely to experience more generalized erection difficulties.

Investigators also found that more than one-third of participants had never been taught how to use a condom correctly. Clinicians should assess whether men using condoms experience condom-associated erection problems and where appropriate, make referrals for psychosexual therapy or provide educational information on condom use.

"Condom-associated erection problems have been a very under-researched topic. Increasing evidence suggests, however, that they may influence whether condoms are used correctly or from start to finish of sex," said Dr. Cynthia Graham, co-author of The Journal of Sexual Medicine study.

Study: General Erectile Functioning among Young, Heterosexual Men Who Do and Do Not Report Condom-Associated Erection Problems (CAEP), Stephanie A. Sanders PhD, Brandon J. Hill PhD, Erick Janssen PhD, Cynthia A. Graham PhD, Richard A. Crosby PhD, Robin R. Milhausen PhD and William L. Yarber HSD, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, published online 17 August 2015.