ED – Did you know?

 

Relationship problems, for example when the woman has different preferences of sexual practice than the man can cause erection problems.

ED – Did you know?

With spinal injury, multiple sclerosis or tumours there is an impact on the nerve supply to the penis which can cause erection problems.

ED – Did you know?

 

Alcohol is a leading erection-killer. Shakespeare wrote that the substance used worldwide to coax reluctant lovers into bed "provokes the desire, but takes away the performance."

ED – Did you know?

 

Erection problems can develop at any time, but the likelihood increases with age. After fifty -- and often younger -- erections can become balky even in the absence of other factors.

ED – Did you know?

 

If your diet contains too much fat it may result in the narrowing of blood vessels, and so reduce the blood flow to your penis.

Erection problems – At the Doctor

 

 

Talking about erectile dysfunction can be difficult. You might use a phrase like "I've been having problems in the bedroom" or "I've been having erection problems." Remember that a healthy sex life is part of a healthy life. Don't feel embarrassed about seeking help.  Erectile dysfunction is a medical problem, and your doctor treats medical problems every day.

If the interaction with your doctor doesn't put you at ease, ask for a referral to another doctor. Your doctor may send you to a urologist-a doctor who specializes in sexual and urologic problems.

Your partner may want to come with you to see the doctor. Many doctors say erectile dysfunction is easier to treat when both partners are involved.

To find the cause of your erectile dysfunction, your doctor will take a complete medical history and do a physical examination.

 

Medical History

 

Your doctor will ask general questions about your health, as well as specific questions about your erection problems and your relationship with your partner. Bring a list of all the medications you take, or bring them with you to show to your doctor. Tell your doctor about any surgery you have had.

Your doctor will ask about habits like alcohol use, smoking, and exercise.

Your doctor might ask you questions like :

 

1. How do you rate your confidence that you can get and keep an erection?
2. When you have erections with sexual stimulation, how often are your erections hard enough for penetration?
3. During sexual intercourse, how often are you able to maintain your erection after you have penetrated (entered) your partner?
4. When you attempt sexual intercourse, how often is it satisfactory for you?
5. How would you rate your level of sexual desire?
6. How often are you able to reach climax and have an ejaculation?
7. Do you have an erection when you wake up in the morning?

 

The answers to these questions will help your doctor understand the problem.

 

Physical Exam

 

A physical exam can help your doctor find the cause of your erectile dysfunction.  As part of the exam, the doctor will examine your testes and penis, take your blood pressure, and check your reflexes. A blood sample will be taken to test for diabetes, cholesterol level, and other conditions that may be associated with erectile dysfunction.