ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION OVERVIEW
This guide has been created to help you understand more about erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that was previously known as impotence. It may also give you insight into other sexual difficulties that some patients experience, which can often feel challenging to talk about.
During your appointment, you may have had checks such as blood pressure, weight, and urine tests, as well as being asked to complete a short questionnaire. These simple steps provide valuable information to your clinician and help build a clearer picture of your overall health and condition.
You will then meet with a clinician to discuss your concerns in more detail. Talking openly about sexual health issues, although sometimes difficult for patients and their partners, is an important step toward receiving the right support.
Following this conversation, further investigations may be suggested, and personalised treatment or guidance will be offered to help manage your condition.
The most common problems include:
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is when it’s hard to get or keep an erection.
Premature (Early) Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation: early climax affecting sexual satisfaction and confidence.
Delayed Ejaculation
Difficulty or inability to ejaculate despite sexual stimulation or desire.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Persistent low sexual desire causing distress or relationship difficulties.
Substance / Medication – Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual problems caused by medications or substances affecting sexual function.
Surgery
Surgery may lead to erectile difficulties by affecting nerves or blood flow.
Diabetes
Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, causing erectile dysfunction.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer and its treatments can lead to erectile difficulties, affecting sexual function and confidence.
YOUR OPTIONS
Psychosexual Therapy
Psychosexual therapy can help address sexual difficulties, supporting emotional wellbeing and improving intimacy and sexual confidence.
Tablets
Medication tablets are one treatment option to help manage erectile dysfunction and improve sexual performance.
Injection Therapy
Injection therapy is a treatment option that can help improve erections for men with erectile dysfunction.
Penile Implant
A penile implant is a treatment option that can restore erectile function and improve sexual confidence.
Vacuum Device
A vacuum device is a safe, effective option to help achieve and maintain an erection.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Exercise and Diet
Poor exercise habits and an unhealthy diet can contribute to erectile difficulties and reduced sexual health.
Drugs
Certain medications and recreational drug use can contribute to erectile difficulties by affecting blood flow or hormones.
Partner Worries
Worries or anxiety from a partner can contribute to erectile difficulties and affect sexual confidence.
Sex and The Heart
Heart conditions and sexual activity are closely linked, as cardiovascular issues can contribute to erectile difficulties
Priapism
Priapism, a prolonged and painful erection, can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if untreated promptly.
Schedule 2 Conditions
If you suffer from one of the following conditions you will be allowed one treatment a week using an NHS prescription:
Prostate cancer
Diabetes
Severe pelvic injury
Kidney failure treated by dialysis or transplant
Multiple sclerosis
Spina bifida
Parkinson’s disease
Poliomyelitis
Spinal cord injury
Single gene neurological disease
Transurethral resection of prostate surgery
Radical pelvic surgery
Extreme distress
HELPFUL ORGANISATIONS
Supportive organisations offering guidance, treatment options, and resources for erectile dysfunction:
READING
Helpful reading to understand erectile dysfunction, related sexual difficulties, what to expect at appointments, and how clinicians provide support.
Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM)
The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) is a brief questionnaire used to assess erectile dysfunction and its severity.
Intimacy Guidance
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CLINIC LOCATIONS
Patients, please use the Carebit portal to book your appointment. Emails aren’t suitable for clinical advice, so I may not be able to respond with guidance.