Erectile Dysfunction

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction vary from person to person. You may have difficulty getting an erection, or the problem may be keeping an erection for long enough to have sex. You may have problems with your erection at certain times or in certain situations, but not others. 

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include: 

• difficulty or inability to get an erection

• difficulty keeping an erection

• reduced sexual desire

ED has a variety of possible causes, and the condition can be categorised depending on the cause. 

• vascular erectile dysfunction – this is the most common type of ED and occurs when there’s not enough blood flow to the penis to get or sustain an erection. Causes include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure

• neurogenic erectile dysfunction – this type of ED occurs as a result of a disruption of the nerve signals between the brain and the penis. It can be caused by pelvic surgery such as prostate operations, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, a spinal injury or disorder, a stroke, radiation therapy, or trauma

• hormonal erectile dysfunction – can occur as a result of hormonal conditions, such as hypogonadism which leads to a reduction or increase in certain hormones including testosterone and cortisol

• anatomical erectile dysfunction – this is where a condition, such as Peyronie’s disease, affects the tissue of the penis making it difficult to get an erection

• psychogenic erectile dysfunction – involves psychological conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Anxiety and depression are the most common causes of this type of ED, but it can also result from relationship problems, being in a new relationship, performance anxiety, past sexual problems or sexual abuse

Other factors that may affect your ability to get or maintain an erection include:

• certain medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants, and corticosteroids

• excessive alcohol

• smoking

• illegal drug use, such as cannabis or cocaine

• fatigue

• obesity

• sleep disorders

At your first Welbeck consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant urologist. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you take regularly. 

Your consultant may ask you some questions about your lifestyle, relationship, any sexual problems you’ve experienced previously and what you think could be the cause of your erectile dysfunction. It's important to remember that your consultant is used to talking about this topic and not to feel embarrassed. 

Your consultant may perform a physical examination and/or arrange for tests to help identify the cause of your erectile dysfunction. These may include blood tests, urine tests and imaging scans such as a penile doppler ultrasound or tests to measure the nerve function in your penis.

It isn’t always possible to prevent erectile dysfunction, but making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing the condition. 

This may include: 

• maintaining a healthy weight

• taking regular exercise

• eating a healthy, balanced diet

• not smoking

• avoiding or limiting alcohol 

• managing stress

• avoiding illicit drugs 

• managing any underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

Most erectile dysfunction is treatable, and complications are rare; however, long-term ED can lead to issues such as: 

• psychological and emotional problems like low self-esteem, depression and anxiety

• poor sex life 

• relationship difficulties 

• problems conceiving  

Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of an underlying health condition like diabetes or heart disease, so it’s important to get checked by a doctor if you have symptoms of ED.

Treatment for ED depends on the underlying cause. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you based on your individual circumstances. 

Treatment for ED may include: 

• lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, stopping smoking, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption or drug use, and reducing stress

• oral medications such as PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra) to increase blood flow to your penis

• injections into your penis to induce erections

• penis pumps or vacuum erection devices

• low-intensity shockwave treatment

• surgery in the form of a penile prosthesis

• psychosexual counselling

At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.