Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to maintain or achieve an erection. If you think you have ED, you may be hesitant to talk to a doctor about it — it can be a sensitive subject. However, it may help to know that ED is likely more common than you think, and effective treatment options do exist.
Partial ED affects more than 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70, while complete or severe ED affects 10% in this age group. Finding and talking to a doctor about ED is important for your health, given how ED can affect your quality of life and potentially lead to chronic stress, relationship issues, and the inability to conceive.
If you’re considering looking for a healthcare professional who can help you navigate this condition, here are some tips on finding the best doctor for ED and starting the conversation.
Which Doctors Can Treat ED?
A variety of medical specialists can treat ED. The type of doctor you end up working with will depend on the cause of your condition. Consider starting with your primary care doctor. In many instances, your primary care doctor may end up referring you to a specialist, such as a urologist or endocrinologist. The majority of specialists who treat ED are urologists.
If you don’t feel comfortable seeing your primary care doctor about ED, contact your health insurance company to learn more about your options in regards to finding another doctor or visiting a specialist without a referral.
Urologists
A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment and management of conditions that affect the genitourinary system, which includes the genital and reproductive organs and the urinary system. These doctors can often identify the cause of ED and use treatments, including medications, surgery, and penile implants or pumps, to reduce your symptoms. In some instances, your urologist may collaborate with another medical specialist to treat ED, depending on its cause.
Cardiologists
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease are all risk factors and causes of ED. If your ED happens due to one or more of these factors, you may be treated by a cardiologist.
A cardiologist can work closely with you to manage or improve these conditions, which may ultimately result in your ED improving or resolving completely. Medications and healthy lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, improving your diet, and quitting smoking are some of the many treatments for ED that you may be recommended while under the care of a cardiologist.
Endocrinologists
An endocrinologist specializes in the treatment and management of conditions that affect the endocrine system, which includes the organs and glands that produce hormones. These doctors can treat diabetes and low testosterone — both of which are other common risk factors and causes of ED. Diabetes medications and testosterone replacement therapy are treatments an endocrinologist may use to treat ED.
Mental Health Providers
ED can often happen due to emotional or mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and depression. It may also be caused by substance use disorders.
If your ED results from one or more of these factors, your primary care doctor may refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. Common treatments for ED that’s related to mental health disorders include talk therapy, support group therapy, and/or medications.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About ED
When visiting your doctor to discuss ED, keep in mind that ED is common and that your doctor most likely has many other patients who are experiencing this condition. Talking to your doctor openly and honestly about ED can often lead to a timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Here are some ways to talk about ED with your doctor:
- Start with an icebreaker. A conversation about ED will most likely start to flow naturally after you broach the topic with your doctor. For instance, you can inform your doctor that you think you may have ED or mention that you’ve been having issues getting or maintaining an erection.
- Ask your doctor about ED risk factors. Your doctor can review your medical history or perform an exam to determine whether you are at risk for ED. Obesity, smoking, diabetes, and the use of certain medications are some of the many risk factors of ED.
- Mention any other symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Your doctor may have an easier time diagnosing ED or referring you to the right specialist based on your other symptoms.
- Ask for suggestions on how to improve your lifestyle to treat ED. Sometimes, making certain lifestyle changes can improve your ED and eliminate the need for medical treatment. Exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake are some steps you can take to improve ED.
When talking to your doctor about ED, know that this condition can often be effectively treated and that a large number of therapies and interventions are available to help. In the event you are diagnosed with ED, your doctor can work closely with you to find the right treatments that can restore your sexual function and help you feel more confident about your health.
Resource Links
“Quantifying the number of US men with erectile dysfunction who are potential candidates for penile prosthesis implantation” via Sexual Medicine
“What Is a Urologist?” via UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
“What Is Erectile Dysfunction?” via Urology Care Foundation
“What Is an Endocrinologist?” via UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
“Tips for talking to your doctor about ED” via Harvard Health Publishing