What is the typical treatment when you have Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis

Many different body parts play an essential role for a man to get and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. Beyond the physical causes that can lead to ED, it has been reported that 20% of ED is related to psychological causes¹. With so many possibilities leading to erectile dysfunction, it becomes particularly important to find a specialist who can correctly diagnosis the direct cause of your ED and find a treatment option that is right for you.

Often, a physical exam and a discussion regarding medical history will be enough to diagnose erectile dysfunction and start you on your treatment pathway^2, as discussed in the “Causes of ED” page. However, there can be many different underlying reasons that lead to ED, and additional tests may be needed to determine the exact cause.

The choice of investigations depends on the individual circumstances of the patient and could include and is not restrictive to:

• Physical Exam² – an examination of the testicles and penis while also checking nerves for sensation.
• Laboratory testing – Can help to identify signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone, and other health issues.
• Cardiovascular system investigations
• Doppler Ultra Sound – This test is occasionally conducted by a specialist to determine if there is a lack of blood flow which is preventing you from getting an erection, if there is no underlying cause.

There are many different treatment options for erectile dysfunction, but your diagnosis will determine which treatment option is right for you. It is important to realise that not all treatment options will work for everyone. A doctor or nurse, who has specialised in men’s sexual health (typically a urologist), will be the most qualified to discuss all of your treatment options with you. Many specialists will often encourage you to schedule additional follow up appointments to review how your treatment is working for you or if a different option may be more beneficial.

Take back control. Use our Specialist Finder tool to locate a doctor in your area who can provide information on how to best treat your ED.