Doctors for Erectile Dysfunction: Who to Consult and Treatment Options

An article by Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates that about 322 million men worldwide will suffer from erectile dysfunction, showcasing how common this condition is in the current time [1]. When it comes to managing ED, there are numerous ways to do so, but one of the most effective ways to date is taking ED medicines. But now the question arises, how to get these medicines and which doctors to visit for this condition.

In this blog, we talk about doctors for erectile dysfunction and how can you get a prescription to take an ED medicine to effectively manage your condition.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection. The common symptoms of ED may include-

• Trouble getting an erection
• Wanting to have less intercourse
• Trouble keeping an erection [2].

ED can affect men of all ages; however, it is more common in elderly people. Men are also more likely to develop ED with the following health conditions-

• Obesity- A 2014 study shows that 79% of men with ED have a body mass index (BMI) over 25.
• Diabetes- This can cause nerve damage and decrease circulation, which can contribute to ED.
• Depression- There are studies that suggest that depression and ED are correlated [3].

Other risk factors for ED include-

• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Taking over-the-counter prescription medicine [3].

Why You Should See A Doctor For Erectile Dysfunction

Even though it is difficult, it is important to talk to a doctor if your ED is persistent and affecting your relationships and everyday life. Ali Dabaja, M.D., a urologist and reproductive medicine and sexual health expert at Henry Ford Health, gives the following reasons for talking to a doctor about your ED [4].

• Lowers Risk of Heart Issues- Suffering from erectile dysfunction can help in predicting future heart disorders. Speaking to your doctor about ED may also help you seek better preventive treatments.
• Improve mental health- Erectile dysfunction can cause depression and stress. These symptoms can also interfere with your sex life. In some cases, it may also result in the development of sadness, low self-esteem, and frustration.
• Control diabetes- Suffering from diabetes can damage your blood vessels, which is important for your sexual health. In a few people, the risk of high blood pressure may increase if ED is not treated, as this may be an underlying cause of ED. So, it is important to talk to your doctor so that they can find the cause of ED and help you treat the condition from the root cause.
• Managing sleep apnea- Many people may be unaware that suffering from obstructive sleep apnea can not only lead to a lack of good sleep at night but can also affect their erectile function. Thus, visiting your doctor will help you recognize this condition and help you manage ED along with sleep apnea.

Types Of Doctors Who Treat Erectile Dysfunction

A few doctors that a man suffering from erectile dysfunction can visit include-

Urologists

These doctors specialize in reproductive and urinary health. Urologists are qualified to help in diagnosing any abnormalities in the reproductive system. Men who have ED not caused by mental health and cardiovascular issues are recommended to consult a urologist. Suffering from prostate health conditions may also cause ED in men. Your urologist may examine your prostate to look for conditions that may result in ED, such as-

• Nerve damage resulting in radical prostatectomy.
• Prostate cancer.
• Enlarged prostate.
• Excessive urine volume or polyuria [5].

Endocrinologists

These are doctors who specialize in hormones. They may suggest blood tests to help determine whether your hormonal levels are normal. Suffering from lower male hormones, such as testosterone, can also contribute to ED.

A few hormonal conditions that may cause ED in people include-

• High levels of prolactin, a hormone that helps in controlling the production of sperm. In case too much is produced, it can cause symptoms such as infertility, decreased sex drive, and galactorrhea (the production of breast milk).
• Andropause, a condition where the body does not produce enough growth hormone or androgen. This may lead to lower bone density, weight gain, and body hair loss.
• Irregular thyroid hormones- A condition that produces too little or too much thyroid hormone.

Mental Health Professional

Your mental health professionals can help you determine if psychological factors are causing ED. It is best to visit a mental health professional if you are suffering from symptoms such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, schizophrenia, or a personality disorder.

Common Erectile Dysfunction Test

The common tests for ED include-

• Physical Examination- This is done by a doctor checking your penis and testicles to make sure that they look normal and the nerves are working as expected. Your doctor may also look for larger-than-normal breast size and hair loss. Other physical tests may include-
  • Your blood pressure.
  • Heartrate.
• Urine and Blood test- Based on your severity, medical history, and physical examination, your doctor may recommend certain blood and urine tests. The reports from these tests analyze any problem that may cause ED, such as kidney issues, diabetes, and heart issues.
• Blood tests may also check your hormonal levels, such as testosterone and thyroid, which may play a key role in causing signs of ED.
• Ultrasound- Doing an ultrasound is another effective way to check the blood flow to the abdomen and penis. This may be used along with an injection test.
• Overnight erection test- When a man sleeps, he gets 3 to 5 erections during the night. So, your doctor will use an overnight erection test to check if you are able to get an erection when sleeping. In this test, the doctor will place a device around the penis before you go to bed. This will measure how many erections you get and how strong they are. Another simple way to do this test is by placing a plastic ring around the penis. When you get an erection, the ring breaks.
• Mental Health Exam- If your doctor feels the cause of your ED is due to mental health conditions, they may ask you a few standard questions about your mental well-being [6].

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options Recommended By Doctors

Some of the effective ED treatments include oral medications like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil. The Tadalafil tablet offers the longest duration of action, lasting up to 36 hours. This ED medicine works within 30 minutes of intake. There are numerous generic options like Vidalista and Tadalista. For people with swallowing difficulty, this ED medicine offers sublingual tablets under the name Vidalista professional, and it works within 15 minutes of intake.

Apart from oral medicine, some of the other ED treatment options include-

• Cardiovascular exercises- Doing cardiovascular exercises for about 45 minutes three times a week can help reverse some cases of mild ED. Such exercises may include jogging, brisk walking, jumping rope, and swimming [7].
• Quitting smoking and drinking.
• Talking to a sex therapist.
• Testosterone replacement therapy- This is available as injection, gel, pellets, and patches, and works within four weeks of use.
• Penile Implants- This is a procedure where a surgeon places a device into the penis to make it hard. Using this device will not affect your urination, sensation, or orgasm [7].

When To Visit A Doctor?

It is advisable to consult a doctor if you suffer from erectile dysfunction. Also, if you are taking medicine for ED and suffering from a painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. As this may be a sign of priapism, which may cause permanent damage to the penis without correct treatment.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About ED?

When you visit a doctor for managing symptoms of ED, some of the questions that you can ask them to have a better understanding of the condition and your treatment include-

• Is it okay to suffer from erectile dysfunction?
• How do I know if I have erectile Dysfunction?
• What is the cause of my ED?
• What is the right ED treatment option for me?
• Will suffering from ED cause other health issues?
• Can I get an orgasm if I am suffering from ED [7]?

How To Choose The Right Doctor For Erectile Dysfunction

• It is recommended to start with a general practitioner. After a basic check-up, your doctor may help you rule out factors such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Choose a doctor with experience in men’s sexual health and ED treatment.
• Look for comfort and communication- It is important to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable.
• Look for credentials- It is important to visit a urologist with board certifications.

Doctors For Erectile Dysfunction- Our Final Thoughts

Erectile dysfunction is a common and manageable condition that can affect both physical health and emotional well-being. While occasional difficulties may not be a cause for concern, persistent ED should never be ignored, as it can be an early indicator of underlying health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or mental health conditions.

Consulting a qualified doctor is a critical step toward identifying the root cause and receiving appropriate treatment.

Primary care physicians, urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals are some of the doctors who can play a role in diagnosing and treating ED.

With proper evaluation, doctors can recommend effective treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes and oral medications to therapy, hormone treatment, or surgical interventions when necessary.

Choosing the right doctor includes someone who is experienced, qualified, and communicates openly.