How to Talk to a Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) may not be a subject that you find easy to discuss, but it is a very common problem. It is also a highly treatable condition and talking to your doctor about ED is the first step to identifying the cause and finding effective treatment. Following the guidelines laid out in this article will help make a seemingly difficult discussion easier.

Instructions

• 1

  After making an appointment with your primary care physician, make a list of your ED symptoms and how these symptoms are affecting your daily life and questions for your doctor about your ED. These notes will help you answer your doctor's detailed questions about your erectile function and sexual relationships.

• 2

  Begin the appointment by stating your concerns and detail your experience with ED. Note how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how your sexual relationships have been affected. When meeting with your doctor understand that he or she is a medical professional and is accustomed to discussing ED and ED related issues.

• 3

  Next your doctor will ask you some detailed questions about your ED. Answer all of your doctor's questions as honestly and comprehensively as possible. The Mayo Clinic's website says you should be prepared to answer the following questions about about sexual function:Any changes in sexual desire or frequency of intercourse? How long have you had the problem?How concerned are you and your partner about it?Whether you've experience and/or sought treatment for the problem in the past? And, if so, what type of treatment you have tried?

• 4

  Your doctor will then ask you some questions to help determine what's causing your erectile dysfunction. You should be prepared to answer the following questions as specifically and comprehensively as possible:Can you achieve self-stimulated erections?Do you experience spontaneous erections at night or when you wake up?Did your erectile dysfunction start suddenly or develop over time?How long are your erections and how hard are they?Can you maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse?Is sex is painful?

• 5

  You should also provide your doctor with information about your current health conditions as well as use of prescription/non-prescription drugs (illegal and over-the-counter drugs), as well as you intake of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine. Your doctor should also ask you about your mood, stress level, relationship issues and depression. It is important that you answer honestly and remember that medical issues are nothing to be embarrassed about. Your doctor should ask open ended questions at the end of the appointment and this is a great time for you to explain additional concerns about your ED or offer information you feel may be pertinent, but you have not related to your doctor during your conversation.