Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects up to 80% of men globally. It probably is a more common problem than you think, but that also means it is more commonly treated.
ED is characterised by the inability to get and sustain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. Unknown to many, ED could be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue. Detecting and treating ED early is key to identifying and treating any underlying condition(s), but also equally important in improving the quality of your relationships and sex life.
The brain, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, hormones, mental state and emotions all play a role in satisfying the male sexual desire. A problem in any or a combination of these can potentially cause ED.
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by a health-related factor e.g.
Seeking help for ED can help in the early detection of a potentially serious health condition, which would allow you to seek treatment before it progressively worsens.
Other causes of ED include lifestyle factors, such as obesity and smoking, and psychological factors, like mental health issues (anxiety, depression, mood disorders, etc) and stress, also play a big part.
It is normal to experience difficulty getting an erection from time to time. But when this becomes a regular occurrence, you should consult a doctor.
Some signs of ED include:
All these contribute to an unsatisfactory sexual experience for both partners
Our doctors will conduct a comprehensive history taking and physical examination to determine if you have ED, and the cause of it.
The examination will begin with a thorough history taking concentrating on the patient’s sexual history, medical and surgical history, medications and non-prescription drug history and the psychological history as well as the symptoms that they are experiencing.
The physical examination will include:
The physical examination will provide preliminary information on the condition of your general health.
Additional laboratory tests may be ordered to support the diagnosis. You may undergo an ultrasound, urine and/or blood tests.
ED is most commonly treated by treating the underlying causes as well as starting erectile dysfunction pills that are prescribed by a doctor. If low testosterone levels are the cause of, hormone treatment can also be administered.
In addition to erectile dysfunction pills, you may be advised to tweak your lifestyle including:
If your ED is found to be a side effect of a medication you are currently on, you may have to work with your doctor to find an appropriate substitute. Where your ED is due to a psychological factor, you will be advised to undergo therapy.
The first step is to have that conversation with your doctor.
All our doctors are licensed with the Malaysian Medical Council, subjected to extensive background checks.
Consult a doctor in the privacy of your home and have your medication delivered to your door! We use opaque, unbranded packaging to ensure that your privacy is safeguarded.
Have your medication refills delivered to a location of your choice within 3 hours. Our doctors are also available 24/7 to attend to any urgent medical needs.
Reach out today! Submit an enquiry here or call us at +60 11 4166 1178 to get started.
ED can be cured depending on the cause. If your ED is caused by an underlying medical condition, it is important to treat the root cause first. See a doctor as soon as possible to prevent your condition from worsening.
Depending on your condition, you should go to a GP (or let our Speedoc doctors come to you!) or specialist and they can refer you accordingly.
A general practitioner (GP), urologist, or an endocrinologist are all able to diagnose and treat erectile dysfunction.