Waking up without an erection could signal you have a deadly health problem

Your morning wood says a lot about the state of your health

While some people may not think that deeply about their morning wood, experts have explained that it actually says a lot about your health - and that waking up without it may even signal something is very wrong.

"Healthy erections are testament to a good sleep routine, diet and regular exercise," Marcus Cumberbatch told the MailOnline.

Cumberbatch, who is a consultant urological surgeon at Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, explained further: "Poor erectile function, on the other hand, is often a sign of an underlying health problem. However, the signs of erectile dysfunction can be more subtle than men realise. So it’s important to learn them so that you can take action before it’s too late."

As much as half of men aged 40 to 70 experience erectile dysfunction, with over two-thirds of men aged over 70 experiencing erectile dysfunction.

"A loss of rigidity in your erections is one of the common early signs of erectile dysfunction," Cumberbatch explained.

"For the majority of people, erectile dysfunction is not sudden, and a loss of rigidity can happen over a number of years. This should signal it is time to act before function fully deteriorates. If you cannot get fully rigid, it is advisable to see a GP, as at that point there are often still steps that people can take."

Experts warn that erectile dysfunction could signal bigger health issues, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes can also impact blood flow, and also lead to issues with erections.

Up to three-quarters of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction in some form during their lifetime, and can experience it up to ten years earlier than those without the condition.

A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who experience erectile dysfunction have a 70 per cent increased risk of an early death, and a Dutch study found these men are also 250 per cent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death around the globe.

Dr Jeff Foster, who specialises in men's health, explained that it is important for men to visit the doctor when they experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

"Most men do not feel able to talk to their doctor and will do anything they can to avoid it.

"This means that before they come to us, they have often tried to self-medicate with over-the-counter Viagra – and as we know, heart conditions are often the underlying cause. It means that men are delaying treatment for serious health conditions."