Finding An Erectile Dysfunction Doctor: 10 Questions To Ask At Your First Appointment

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on June 17, 2022

Did you know that 7 in 10 Canadians skip the doctor?

There could be many reasons for this: long wait lines, too expensive, not being able to take time off of work, or simply not wanting to see a doctor.

However, if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, why wait? Dealing with ED can hurt your mental health and make every day seem like a struggle.

Although you can always purchase Viagra Canada online, seeing a doctor for erectile dysfunction can help you get your sex life back, be happier, and move forward!

If you choose to go see a doctor, we'll cover everything you need to know and all the questions to ask your erectile dysfunction doctor to be as informed as possible!

What Kinds of Doctors Can You Visit for Erectile Dysfunction?

So you've made the big decision to go see a doctor. But who do you see? Which doctors deal with erectile dysfunction?

There are a few doctors you can see, especially because ED can be caused by physical or psychological, or both!

Urologist

Many doctors will refer you to see a urologist if you are complaining of symptoms of erectile dysfunction. A urologist can help diagnose any issues with your reproductive system, especially if you don't have any preexisting conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure.

A urologist is able to examine your prostate for issues that can cause erectile dysfunction. They'll look for prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or any nerve damage in the area.

Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist is a hormone specialist. Having abnormal hormones may be the reason you are experiencing ED symptoms.

High levels of prolactin can create a decrease in sex drive in men, and irregular thyroid hormones can also mess with your sex drive and create erectile dysfunction symptoms in men.

An endocrinologist can run some tests to determine what the issue is.

Mental Health Professional 

Seeing a mental health professional is not a bad idea if you are suffering from symptoms and want treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Many times, psychological and mental reasons can be the reason that you have a lower sex drive and are unable to perform.

A mental health expert is able to talk you through your problems, anxieties, or everyday worries. They may also prescribe medication if they diagnose you with a mental health illness.

This could solve the underlying problem of your erectile dysfunction.

What to Expect From Your First Visit With an Erectile Dysfunction Doctor

It can be quite intimidating to visit any doctor, but visiting an erectile dysfunction doctor can be even more intimidating. So what can you expect when visiting them for the first time? Here are a few things to expect.

Your Doctor Will Ask a Lot of Questions

Normally, your doctor asks you a lot of questions. They want to get to the root of the issue, and the only way they can do that is by asking you questions to learn more.

They will want to know your medical history, current conditions, physical activity levels, mental health, sexual problems, all about your symptoms, and when they improve or worsen. They'll also want to know what current medications you are on or if you are taking any vitamins or supplements. Doctors will also ask how often you smoke, drink, or use drugs, and it is best to be honest with them.

It's Like a Normal Doctor's Appointment

You will check in with a receptionist just as you would anywhere else for an appointment. You do not have to tell them why you are there if you are not comfortable. 

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

While many of the core conversations will happen at the appointment itself, there are many things you can do before to help you prepare.

First, make a list of all current medications and dosages that you are on. Write these down.

Jot down your symptoms. Think about when they started, if it happens every time you have sex or just sometimes, and what's going on in your life when it happens.

You will also want to be prepared to talk about your alcohol and drug use as well, as this can drastically affect any ED symptoms you may have.

What Questions Should You Ask the Doctor

If you're ready to go to the doctor, you also need to know what questions to ask them to get the most out of your appointment. Here are 10 questions that you should be prioritizing.

1- How Do I Know if My ED Is Psychological or Not?

This is an important question to ask, and they will most likely run tests to figure it out.

One of these tests is a nocturnal erection test that tests how many erections you get during your sleep. The normal number is anywhere from three to five.

If you do happen to get erections during the test, the odds that your ED symptoms are due to emotional or psychological symptoms are high.

2- What Physical Health Conditions Can Cause ED?

For starters, men who have diabetes are more likely to have erectile dysfunction. But there are many other health conditions that can cause ED symptoms. Heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure are common reasons that men suffer from ED.

However, injuries to the penis also make it possible to experience ED symptoms.

If you are not sure if you have any of these problems, a doctor will order tests to see.

3- Can Certain Medications Cause ED?

If you are taking different medications or even taking multiple, there may be some interferences that can decrease your libido and sex drive.

For instance, many anti-depressants can cause a lower sex drive.

4- Should I See a Cardiologist if I Have ED?

There is no need to see a cardiologist right off the bat! The only reason to see one would be if you have underlying heart conditions that may be causing it. Your primary should be able to run a test to tell you if that is the case or not.

5- Does Having ED Mean I Have Low Testosterone?

This could be the case, but it doesn't mean this is why you have ED. While it sometimes does, everyone is different. Your doctor will be able to test for this and have a conversation about low testosterone if you have it.

6- How Effective Are ED Medications?

Everyone responds to medications differently, but many men claim that taking medication for ED helps them have an erection that lasts long enough for intercourse.

Have a conversation with your doctor to see what will work best for you.

7- What Side Effects Can ED Medications Have?

As with many medications, there may be side effects. A few side effects you can expect to have are an upset stomach, urinary tract infection, nasal congestion, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash.

If you experience any of these, be sure to talk to your doctor.

8- What Lifestyle Changes Should I Make?

If you experience ED symptoms, there may be some lifestyle changes to consider. Here are a few:

1. Monitor your alcohol consumption 
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Quit smoking 
4. Be physically active

9- Are There Natural Things I Can Take?

There may be a few natural supplements that can help your ED symptoms. Talk to your doctor about which may work for you.

10- Is It Normal That I Am Young and Cannot Get an Erection?

This may be a question on your mind, and you should ask your doctor!

Many young people deal with this issue, so it is best to talk with your doctor about possible causes.

Different Treatment Options Available

If you find yourself in the situation of wondering what you can do for yourself and your symptoms, there are a few things that can help! It all depends on the reasons behind your symptoms, your genetics, your preexisting conditions, and so much more. Your doctor will be able to help you through your treatment options. 

A few that are around and can help are:

1. Medications
2. Natural supplements
3. Therapy
4. Surgery or implants
5. Working on relationship issues (if it is emotional)
6. Exercising regularly
7. Proper diet

Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is best for you.

Final Words: How to Decide if the Visit Helped You

At the end of the day, you just want to make sure that you are getting the right treatment, seeing the best doctor for your erectile dysfunction, and feeling better about your life.

If you start to notice improvements in your sex life, then something is working! The questions you asked, the doctor you saw, and the treatment you got are doing their job.