How can an erectile dysfunction doctor help you to revive your love life? Also known as ED, erectile dysfunction impacts nearly 30 million American men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you're one of the many men with ED, take a look at what you need to know about diagnosis and erectile dysfunction treatment.

Do You Need An ED Diagnosis Before You Start Treatment?

Yes, you will need an ED diagnosis from a licensed medical provider. ED is a medical condition. Like other health-related conditions, erectile dysfunction also requires a doctor's diagnosis. To accurately diagnose you with this condition, the doctor will take a full health history, ask you questions about lifestyle factors (such as diet, physical activity, and alcohol/substance use), discuss mental health factors, and examine your penis and testicles. 

The doctor may also order blood tests to look for pre-existing conditions that may play a role in your ED diagnosis. These could include heart disease, low T (low testosterone), or diabetes. Some underlying conditions may also require a urine test or diagnostic imaging to diagnose. If the doctor feels that some or all of this issue is psychological, they may refer you to a mental health professional for additional evaluation.

What Happens After An ED Diagnosis?

Your doctor just diagnosed you with ED. Now what? If there is an underlying cause, such as diabetes or depression, the medical provider may start by treating this condition. This may reduce or eliminate the ED symptoms. If treatment of a pre-existing condition does not change your symptoms or you don't have another diagnosable issue, the doctor will discuss your ED treatment options. 

What Are the Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Choices?

Erectile dysfunction doesn't need to rule your love life. Even though ED is a common condition that affects millions of men, it is possible to treat erectile dysfunction. The specific type of treatment you choose depends on the reason for the ED, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Some men can benefit from psychological counseling or counseling in combination with medical therapies.

Oral medications, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, can help you to maintain an erection. While these medications may make it possible for you to have sex again, they don't provide an aphrodisiac effect. This means you will still need stimulation or the ability to feel sexual excitement to initiate intimacy. Hormone (testosterone) replacement may also help you to overcome ED in men who have been diagnosed with low T. 

If medication doesn't work for you or you prefer not to take pills, talk to an erectile dysfunction doctor about the other options. These include vacuum erection devices (also known as penis pumps), surgery, and penile implants.