Your erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment team will be determined by the cause of your EDMany men, for example, have underlying health concerns such as heart disease or diabetes, which should be addressed by a specialist in that field of medicine. Continue reading to discover more about the many sorts of health-care experts and individuals who may make up your ED's health-care and support team.
Many men begin by consulting a primary care physician. This is usually their primary care physician, who is familiar with their medical history. They can examine you and arrange tests to figure out what's causing your ED. They will refer you to a professional if necessary. If laboratory testing reveals diabetes or prediabetes, for example, you may be referred to an endocrinologist. Some family doctors prefer to treat ED with oral drugs first, then refer you to a specialist if those don't work.
Unless you have a specific health condition that requires treatment, you would most likely be referred to a urologist first. These specialists are experts in the treatment of urinary tract and reproductive system issues. They'll check you for prostate issues like frequent urination, an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer.
ED has been linked to heart disease. If this is the case, your doctor may advise you to see a cardiologist for further assessment.
If the underlying cause of ED is diabetes or hormonal imbalance, your doctor may consider consulting an endocrinologist. Diabetes, low testosterone, thyroid illness, and prolactin levels will all be investigated and treated by endocrinologists.
In coping with ED, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist can be beneficial. These professionals can help you if your ED is caused by psychological concerns like despair or anxiety. ED can also lead to stress and problems in relationships. A mental health expert can assist you in dealing with these ED side effects.
If you are taking ED medications, your pharmacist can answer questions about the medication, side effects, and how you should take it. In addition, your pharmacist keeps track of all medications you take and can alert you if your medications might have interactions.
Regular physical activity can help to alleviate ED symptoms. In terms of your ED and beyond, participating in a supervised fitness program that has been tailored to match your physical and medical needs can be beneficial.
A well-balanced, healthy diet can aid in the improvement of your ED and the prevention of additional problems. A nutritionist can provide you with advice on how to eat healthily.
Working with a sex counselor or therapist may be beneficial if ED is causing stress in your relationship. These professionals can help you and your partner discover new ways to approach your sexual relationship and better meet one other's sexual needs.
Your significant other is one of the most critical members of your treatment team. Consider bringing your partner to your doctor's appointments and teaching them about ED. The better you both understand this medical problem, the better you'll be able to collaborate to identify the appropriate treatment.
Your treatment team may vary as you manage your health care. For example, you might start with a urologist but later discover that diabetes or heart disease are the root causes of your ED, in which case you should seek out an expert in those fields. Because keeping track of your health is a difficult task, it's also critical to have all of your medical information delivered to your primary care physician. That manner, a single individual can assist in the coordination of all of your medical treatment.