Erectile dysfunction can be defined as difficulty in achieving or sustaining an erection that is firm enough for a satisfying sexual activity. There are several issues that can lead to the development of ED but the most notable contributors include; stress and ill-health conditions.
If you suspect that you could be having ED, and are worried about the condition, it is best to see a doctor who specializes in erectile dysfunction treatment in Singapore for an assessment and a tailored treatment plan. An appointment with a specialist is actually stressed upon as it gives you the best chances for diagnosis of the potential underlying causes and personalized treatment plans for the potential health issues linked with ED as well.
While it is a difficult conversation to bring up, it isn’t wise to ignore the symptoms of ED as this may only lead to other untreated health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. On this page, you will learn about the right doctor to see for ED, what questions to ask your doctor about ED and what to expect at the clinic. Keep reading.
What Doctor should I See if I think I have ED?
Erectile dysfunction can be identified by symptoms like difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activities, delayed ejaculation and premature ejaculation among others. If you get these symptoms, you may wonder; what doctor should I see if I think I have ED?
The doctor you will want to see if you think that you have ED is a urologist. Specializing in the male reproductive system, urologists possess in-depth knowledge to address ED. For treatment, urologists use various approaches like medications, therapy, and surgery.
A good treatment should be tailored to the root cause of your condition. Other than the urologist, the other groups of specialists you can see if you think that you have ED are endocrinologists and mental health professionals.
- Endocrinologists
These specialists focus on the endocrine system which controls the body’s hormones. Low testosterone, detected in routine blood tests, can trigger ED. Consulting an endocrinologist helps manage abnormal hormone levels which may be contributing to ED.
- Mental Health Professionals
Psychological factors might underlie or exacerbate ED. Therapists can assess if conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, or relationship issues contribute to ED symptoms.
Symptoms such as decreased interest in activities, restlessness, or significant worry could indicate the need for mental health intervention alongside ED treatment. Mental health professionals use questionnaires to evaluate mental health conditions.
If diagnosed, medication might be prescribed to manage symptoms, potentially aiding in controlling ED. Also, therapists may ask about your personal life and relationships to identify stressors or interpersonal challenges impacting ED. If life or relationship factors are suspected of contributing to your condition, mental health professionals may recommend lifestyle adjustments for both ED and associated mental health concerns.
What Questions to Ask about ED?
If you think that you have ED, you will need a candid discussion with your doctor to get a better understanding of the condition and how to best manage it. To help you get started, here are six questions to ask about ED;
- What Could Be the Underlying Cause of My ED? The causes of ED are varied. To know what could be responsible for your condition, inquire about potential physical factors like heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or psychological aspects like stress, anxiety, or depression that could contribute to ED.
- Are There Any Specific Tests I Should Undergo? Ask about diagnostic tests to pinpoint potential causes of ED. Tests may involve blood work to check hormone levels, cholesterol, or diabetes markers. Your doctor might also suggest a physical exam to assess nerve function, blood flow, or other underlying health conditions that may be contributing to ED.
- What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make to Improve My ED? Inquire about lifestyle modifications that might alleviate ED symptoms. Discussions may revolve around adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, or optimizing sleep patterns. These changes can positively impact ED and overall health.
- What Are the Treatment Options Available for Me? Learn about the various treatment alternatives tailored to your specific condition. Treatment options range from oral medications (like Viagra, and Cialis) to vacuum devices, penile injections, or surgical implants. When it comes to the treatment options, be sure to understand not just the benefits but also the risks, and potential side effects of each option. You will need this to be able to make an informed decision.
- How Will My Overall Health Condition Impact ED Treatment? Your doctor can explain how existing health conditions might affect ED treatment. For instance, if you have cardiovascular issues or diabetes, managing these conditions is crucial as they can contribute to or worsen ED.
- Should I Consider Counseling or Therapy Alongside Treatment? Inquire about the potential role of counseling or therapy. This is especially important if psychological factors contribute to ED. Discuss whether therapy could aid in managing stress, anxiety, or relationship issues to potentially alleviate ED symptoms.
What to Expect at an Erectile Dysfunction Exam?
Depending on how your conversation goes on regarding erectile dysfunction treatment in Singapore, you may be recommended an exam. If that has been the case, you may wonder; what to expect at an erectile dysfunction exam.
Now, what you should expect during an Erectile Dysfunction (ED) exam is essentially a thorough assessment. This means that the specialist will not only look into your medical history, but also have you undergo a physical examination, and potentially recommend some diagnostic tests. Here’s the summary;
- Medical History: For the medical history, the doctor will inquire about your health history. They will also ask about any medications you’ve been on, lifestyle factors, sexual history, etc. It is important that you answer the questions on these issues accurately as they aim to identify potential causes or contributing factors to ED.
- Physical Examination: A physical exam might include evaluating your blood pressure. The doctor may also assess your genital area and secondary sexual characteristics. This examination helps identify any physical causes that may be contributing to ED.
- Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the findings, additional tests may be recommended. These may include blood tests to check hormone levels, ultrasound to assess blood flow or psychological assessments. These tests may be recommended to pinpoint underlying issues.
- Discussion and Guidance: Following the exam, the doctor will discuss their findings. They will also explain potential causes and available treatment options. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or further consultations with specialists.
In Closing
While the urologist is the specialist to see for ED treatment in Singapore, there are several other specialists you can see for the condition depending on your unique needs or the stage of the condition. During the assessment, be open and answer the questions asked accurately to get to the root of the issue.
ED can be treated and at Dr. Ben Medical, we believe in personalized treatment plans for the best outcomes. To learn more about ED treatment in Singapore or schedule an appointment with a specialist for a thorough assessment and a tailored ED treatment plan, call or visit us at;
Dr Ben Medical @ Jurong West: Men’s Health Clinic | STD Testing | ED Treatment Singapore
221 Boon Lay Pl,
#02-160 Shopping Centre
Singapore 640221
+65 8881 2344