The inability to achieve or maintain an erection strong enough to participate in sexual activity is known as erectile dysfunction (ED).

Most guys would probably want to avoid talking about this illness with anybody, including a doctor. However, it’s crucial to locate a physician who handles ED in order to handle it in a safe and efficient manner.

Instead of depending on your primary care physician (PCP), you might need to contact a specialist, or you could require the help of many medical professionals.

Even though discussing ED might be awkward at first, keep in mind that it’s a common and frequently curable disorder. Trusted Source. With time, you could notice that the discussion gets easier.

Locating a medical professional

It’s a good idea to talk to your PCP about your worries. However, you might wish to consult a professional if you don’t feel at ease in that environment or if you want additional assistance. Your PCP could occasionally additionally recommend that you see a specialist.

If you have insurance, your insurance provider ought should be able to provide you with a list of physicians who are included in your plan.

Nonetheless, you have to still conduct some research to identify the ideal fit for you. You can inquire about referrals from:

Your PCP, other medical professionals, and dependable friends or relatives

Additionally, you want to look out a doctor’s qualifications on the website of your state’s medical board.

Remember that you are under no obligation to continue visiting that doctor if you feel uncomfortable after the initial appointment. Talk to others until you discover someone you like.

If you feel at ease enough to talk about your experience and if there is clear and comprehensive communication between you, you’ll receive far better treatment.

Urologist

A urologist is a medical professional with a focus on male reproductive health and urinary system health. While some urologists specialize in treating women, the majority of urologists treat ED patients.

Depending on the underlying reason, urologists can treat ED with drugs, treatment, and surgery.

Endocrinologist

The endocrine system of the body, which regulates hormones that impact most bodily systems, is treated by endocrinologists.

Abnormal hormone levels, such as low testosterone levels, can be treated by an endocrinologist. ED may result from low testosterone.

Visiting an endocrinologist might be highly beneficial if your yearly blood testing reveals low testosterone.

Ask your PCP about getting your testosterone evaluated during your next blood work if it hasn’t already been done.

Mental health practitioner

Sometimes substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or other conditions that can be addressed by a psychologist or other mental health professional cause ED as a side effect.

You might want to think about discussing ED with a mental health practitioner if you have a mental health issue or if your PCP advises it.

Internet medical professionals

More and more healthcare professionals are accessible for online conversations or virtual visits, including nurse practitioners, nurses, and physician’s assistants. This kind of communication can be instructive, but an online exam cannot match the depth of an in-person exam.

Virtual medical treatment is preferable than receiving no help at all if you are unable to see a doctor in person. However, if at all feasible, look for a local healthcare professional with whom you can establish a rapport.

Speaking with a physician

Talking honestly about ED is the greatest way to address it in a conversation, just like you would with any other health issue, such as chest discomfort or eyesight issues. Recall that your doctor handles a variety of illnesses, ED being only one of them.

You’re not by yourself. There are probably a lot of other people your doctor sees who have similar health issues to yours.

Although there isn’t much you need to do to get ready for the initial session, you should have a few questions ready. You could wish to think about enquiring, “What could be the cause of my ED?”

• Which tests are necessary for me?
• Will taking medicine be beneficial?
• What additional choices are there for treatment?
• What lifestyle adjustments may I make to enhance my ability to conceive?
• Where can I find out more details on ED?

In the event that you do not already have a physician, the Healthline FindCare service might offer possibilities in your region.

What to anticipate?

In addition, your physician will ask you a lot of questions, some of which will be quite private. They could inquire about:

• Your past sexual encounters
• infections contracted during intercourse
• Your recent involvement in sexual activities

how long have you experienced symptoms of ED?

How frequently you have erections, if you can get one while sleeping, and whether you can get one when masturbating

Inquiries may also concern the significance of sexual activity in your life and the therapies you are willing to accept or not.

Along with your past medical history, you should be ready to talk about any current prescriptions and dietary supplements you may be using. Since ED has a psychological component, you can be questioned about signs of anxiety, sadness, or other mental health issues.

There will be a physical examination during the visit. To assist identify whether diabetes or renal issues are a factor in your ED, you could be requested to provide a urine sample.

To assess your general health and rule out any conditions that could be causing a change in your sexual function, your doctor may prescribe a complete blood count (CBC).

In order to discuss the results with you during the consultation, a blood test is frequently requested prior to your initial appointment.

locating the appropriate medical care

Which treatment is best for you depends depend on the intensity and underlying cause of your ED, according to Trusted Source.

While lifestyle modifications or mental health therapy may be necessary for some men, medication may be sufficient for others to treat ED efficiently. ED may occasionally indicate an underlying medical issue that requires attention.

Drugs

First, your doctor can suggest tried-and-true ED drugs like Vidalista 10 mg and Super Vidalista. After consuming it, tadalafil remains effective for up to 36 hours.

Although sildenafil acts more quickly, its effects wear off more quickly—usually within four hours.

Headaches, flushing, and congestion are common adverse effects of ED medicines. It could take a few tries to find the drug that best suits your lifestyle and that you can handle, if your doctor prescribes any.

See this page for a detailed comparison of popular ED drugs.

Modifications in lifestyle

Your doctor may suggest changing your lifestyle in specific situations. These might be used instead of or in addition to prescription drugs or medical treatments. Your physician could recommend the following:

• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Give up smoking.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
• Make sure you sleep for 7 to 8 hours every night.
• Use techniques to reduce stress, such yoga or meditation.
• Over-the-Counter medications

In certain situations, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, such yohimbe or L-arginine pills, can be worth a try. Better blood flow to the penis is linked to both of these.

However, make sure to see your physician before beginning any new therapy. You should use caution while using herbal supplements because they aren’t as rigorously examined and controlled as prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Counseling

In order to treat the symptoms of anxiety, sadness, or other problems that could be hurting their sexual health, many men also benefit from mental health therapy.

Both partners can benefit from working through changes in intimacy and their sexual connection with the assistance of couples therapy or sex therapy.

Alternative therapies

Penis injections of alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) or phentolamine (OraVerse, Regitine) to increase blood flow to the penis are two more potential therapies for ED.

• Penis pumps for erection induction
• Penis implants with inflatable or semi-rigid rods to regulate when you get an erection

Takeaway

A prevalent and frequently curable illness is erectile dysfunction. When you discuss ED with a doctor, keep in mind that you are taking charge of a significant part of your health. You can have sensible and fruitful talks.

To treat this issue holistically and regain confidence and sexual function, think about dietary adjustments, medical treatments, and mental health counselling.