Erectile Dysfunction
Welcome to Qoctor’s online doctor service which can provide assessment, advice and treatment for men who have been diagnosed with E.D.
We will ask you some questions about your health, just as a doctor does in clinic.
If treatment is appropriate, you can choose to have your medication delivered safely and securely from our partner pharmacies via Australia post – or you can have a paper prescription posted to you or your local pharmacy.
About Erectile Dysfunction (E.D)
- E.D affects most men at some time in their lives.
- It’s when you can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
- Many men experience the problem now and then- for example if they are under stress. However, for some, it can be more ongoing and troublesome.
- E.D can be caused by a variety of potentially serious health conditions. It’s also a side effect of various medications, or a symptom of stress, depression or relationship problems.
- It’s important to see a doctor in person to discuss these issues.
FAQs
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to get or keep an erection which is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Many men experience this issue now and then- for example if they are under stress. However, for some, it can be a more ongoing and troublesome problem, and if this is the case, it’s important to make sure there are no underlying causes.
A variety of issues can lead to erectile dysfunction:
- Reduced blood flow to the penis
This is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men over 40 years. The arteries which take blood to the penis can become narrowed and the blood flow may be insufficient to cause an erection. Smoking, raised cholesterol and obesity can be contributing factors to this.
- Damage to nerves supplying the penis
This may be due to a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, or spinal injury/surgery
- Diabetes
Diabetes is another common cause of ED and can affect the blood flow and the nerves to the penis. If you are concerned about diabetes you should see your doctor for a blood test.
- Alcohol
In the short term alcohol can reduce blood flow to the penis, and in the long term it can reduce testosterone levels and reduce sex drive. Excessive drinking (more than 10 units per week) can have a number of other negative effects on your health.
- Psychological causes
Stress, anxiety and depression are very common, and can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you feel you may be suffering from any of these problems, you should speak to your GP.
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by a variety of medical and psychological issues. If you wish to access treatment for Erectile Dysfunction online it is very important to see a doctor first for a proper check-up and physical examination, to rule out any underlying conditions.
Several types of medication can lead to erectile dysfunction- so if you develop problems with getting or sustaining an erection soon after starting a new medication you should speak to your doctor (it’s usually advisable not to stop any medication suddenly, without consulting your doctor). Common culprits include:
- Beta-blockers (eg propranolol, bisoprolol or carvedilol)- often used to treat blood pressure or other heart conditions
- Diuretics- also known as “water tablets” (eg furosemide, indapamide), often used to treat heart conditions
- Antidepressants (eg citalopram, fluoxetine) used to treat depression or anxiety
- Antihistamines (eg promethazine/phenergan, diphenhydramine) used to treat allergies
- H2 blockers (e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine) used to treat acid reflux and heartburn.
Before you seek treatment for erectile dysfunction, you should discuss your health and any medications you’re taking with your doctor.
Health Library- assessment, diagnosis and treatment for E.D
E.D affects a lot of men, but it may be an embarrassing subject to broach with a doctor. A lot of men may wish to access treatment for E.D online, however, it’s important to get your symptoms properly checked out by a doctor first, as in some situations E.D can be a symptom of other underlying health problems , such as Diabetes, circulation problems and conditions affecting the nerves. It may also be a side effect of several commonly prescribed medications– such as antidepressants, blood pressure tablets and other medications commonly prescribed for heart disease. Anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties may also be a contributing factor- if you think this may apply to you, you can find out more at Beyond Blue.
If you’ve already been fully assessed by a doctor and no treatable underlying causes are found for your E.D , there are several medications which can be of help. They all have slightly different pros and cons. In the articles below we explore the various causes of E.D and some of the treatment options that are available.