Erectile dysfunction(ED) or impotence is defined as the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Though ED can be triggered due to physiological or psychological reasons, one should consult a erectile dysfunction doctor to get a proper diagnosis of the symptoms.
About 30 million men suffer from the problem of erectile dysfunction.
It is one of the most prevalent sex problems men notify their healthcare specialists. Men who hesitate to get treated for such sexual health problems can face unsatisfactory sex life, stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Impotence is medically defined as a sexual health disorder that occurs when Erectile men start having a problem getting or keeping an erection while getting intimate with a spouse. Erectile dysfunction problems can lead to emotional and relationship troubles that need to be considered by a professional.
Erectile dysfunction can also signify underlying health problems like hypertension or diabetes. Therefore, it becomes imperative to consult an erectile dysfunction doctor before it starts causing stress, anxiety, or relationship strain.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
The most evident sign of impotence in men is the inability to get or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. Some of the common symptoms of impotence in men are as follows:
- Difficulty in getting an erection
- Low sex drive
- Unsatisfactory sex life
- Loss of erection after penetration
- Stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem
One should consult an erectile dysfunction doctor like a urologist or endocrinologist to get effective treatment options for such symptoms.
What doctor can help with erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a treatable and manageable sexual health disorder that can be treated by taking a proper medical treatment under the guidance of an erectile dysfunction doctor. A man can consult the following erectile dysfunction doctors to get a diagnosis for ED symptoms.
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Urologists
A urologist is a type of an erectile dysfunction doctor who specializes in the morbidities of the urinary tract and reproductive systems.
In some cases, urologists can also perform surgery to remove the tumor or treat the blockage of the urinary tract.
When a person suffers from a problem relating to the kidney, ureters, urethra, bladder, or adrenal glands, he can go to a urologist to get the condition treated appropriately.
Men can go to them with a disorder correlative to the penis, prostate, epididymis, tests, and seminal vesicles.
Several conditions of the prostate can develop the problem of erectile dysfunction. Some of the functions are:
- Increased urination or polyuria
- Nerve damage arising out of radical prostatectomy
- Prostate cancer
- Treatment of prostate cancer
- Augmented prostate or treatment for the same
Urologists perform the following tests to detect the cause of the disease:
Physical Exam: It examines the penis, testicles, and nerves for sensation. The doctor also monitors the patient’s blood pressure.
Rectal Exam: In this, the erectile dysfunction doctor checks the health of the prostate by using a finger. This physical exam will cause minimal distress to the patient.
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Endocrinologists
An endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in glands and the hormones they produce. Like those associated with low levels or high levels of the hormone, only endocrinologists can test certain disorders.
When a person has low testosterone hormones, he can get affected by erectile dysfunction. So, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist and get your hormone levels tested.
Endocrinologists will take the following tests to detect the problem:
Fertility Test: This test determines the underlying causes of male infertility by testing deformities in a man’s sperm and reproductive system.
Prolactin Level Test: In this, the doctor tests a hormone called prolactin levels in the body. High levels of this particular hormone can cause erectile dysfunction.
DHEAS Test: DHEAS is an acronym for Dehydroepiandrosterone. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women. DHEA helps create hormones like testosterone in men and estrogen in women. The DHEAS test measures the levels of DHEA hormone in the bloodstream.
SHBG Test: Sex Hormone Binding Globulin(SHBG) Test determines the cause of a reduced sex drive, male infertility, and erectile dysfunction. SHBG is a protein formed by the liver that attaches itself to the sex hormones, including –
- Testosterone
- Dihydrotestosterone
- Estradiol
SHBG binds to all of the hormones listed above. But, the doctor usually performs this test to check how it binds testosterone.
In this test, a needle collects a small blood sample from a vein in the arm. The duration of the test is less than five minutes. You will experience a slight pain in the site, but you will get relieved in a short timeframe.
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Mental Health Professionals
Not all erectile dysfunction symptoms are physiologically triggered. An erectile dysfunction doctor like a psychologist (mental health professional) can help ascertain whether the psychological issues are the reason behind the development of your ED.
Following are the symptoms that call for an examination of your mental health condition by a health professional:
- Stress
- Depression
- Fatigues
- Anxiety
- Eating disorder
- Schizophrenia
- A personality disorder that is adversely affecting the relationship with your partner
The doctor will provide you with a questionnaire to fill out. Fill it out correctly to let your doctor determine the real cause of your problem. Then, he will recommend some lifestyle changes to improve the state of your health problems.
Also read: How to Find The Right Doctor For Erectile Dysfunction?
What are the best medicines for erectile dysfunction?
Usually, the first line of defense against erectile dysfunction symptoms is done by taking the following medicines:-
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
Other Treatment options include:
- Penile injections
- Penile implants
- Testosterone therapy
- Vacuum erection equipment
- Intraurethral medication
However, before undergoing any form of treatment for erectile dysfunction, one should get a consultation from an erectile dysfunction doctor.
Conclusion
The occurrence of erectile dysfunction does not mean an end to intimacy. On the contrary, to maintain a good sex life, one should get proper consultation from an erectile dysfunction doctor as soon as the symptoms start to occur.
Getting an early diagnosis can help make erectile dysfunction a manageable health condition in the long run.
