Men’s clinic Erections problems cure erectile dysfunction. Erection problems (impotence) are very common, particularly in men over 40. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but you should see a GP if it keeps happening. It could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Causes of erection problems
Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection.
This is usually caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety, or drinking too much alcohol, and it’s nothing to worry about.
If it happens more often, it may be caused by physical health or emotional problems.
At men’s clinic, we offer all possible ways to all our clients so that they can overcome these problems at all our branches in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Hatfield, Mamelodi, Bloemfontein, men’s clinic Sandton, Pretoria North, Soweto, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Rivonia, Alexandria, Vereeniging South Africa.
It is a side effect, a symptom of something else. Thirty years ago, when men went to their doctors asking for help for erectile problems, they were told that there was no treatment because it was caused by aging, or it was all in their heads (psychological). A generation of research has been conducted in the intervening years.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:
- erection problems keep happening
It could be a sign of an underlying health condition such as diabetes.
Information:
How sexual health clinics can help with erection problems
Sexual health clinics treat problems with sexual health. They can provide the same treatment you would get at your GP surgery.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
They’ll often get test results quicker than GP practices.
What happens at your appointment
The doctor or nurse will ask about your lifestyle and relationships, and any problems you might be having.
They’ll carry out basic health checks, such as taking your blood pressure.
They’ll also examine your genitals to rule out any obvious physical cause.
If you have symptoms like needing to pee more often, you may also need to have an examination of your prostate.
Treatment for erection problems depends on the cause
Treatments for erectile dysfunction are usually effective and the problem often goes away.
There are also specific treatments for some of the causes of erectile dysfunction.
| Possible cause | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Narrowing of penis blood vessels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol | Medicine to lower blood pressure, statins to lower cholesterol |
| Hormone problems | Hormone replacement (for example, testosterone) |
| Side effects of a prescribed medicine | Change to medicine after discussion with GP |
Medicine such as sildenafil (sold as Viagra) is also often used by doctors to treat erectile dysfunction. It’s also available from pharmacies.
Because of changes in regulations, you no longer need a prescription to get sildenafil.
But you’ll have to have a consultation with the pharmacist to make sure it’s safe for you to take it.
There are other similar medicines called tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Spedra) that work in a similar way.
You’ll still need a prescription to get these medicines.
Buying Viagra online
Things you can do to help with erectile dysfunction
Healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help erectile dysfunction.
Do
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lose weight if you’re overweight
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stop smoking
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eat a healthy diet
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exercise daily
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try to reduce stress and anxiety
Don’t
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do not cycle for a while (if you cycle for more than 3 hours a week)
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do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
The Sexual Advice Association has factsheets on medicines and other treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Do vacuum pumps work?
Vacuum pumps encourage blood to flow to the penis, causing an erection.
They work for most men and can be used if the medicine is not suitable or does not work.
They’re not always available on the NHS. Speak to a doctor about where to get a vacuum pump.
Emotional (psychological) problems
It’s more likely to be an emotional problem if you only have erection problems some of the time. For example, you get an erection when waking up in the morning, but not during sexual activity.
Anxiety and depression can be treated with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
A GP might recommend sex therapy, either on its own or in combination with other psychotherapy.
There’s usually a long wait for these services on the NHS.
You can also pay to see someone privately.
Information:
Finding private counselors or sex therapists
Counselors and psychotherapists should be a member of the:
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Sex therapists should be a member of the:
- College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)
- Institute of Psychosexual Medicine
Relate also offers sex therapy for a fee.
Advice and support are also available from the Sexual Advice Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Clinic Erection Problems Cure Erectile Dysfunction
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What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
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Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. 1 It can be a temporary or persistent issue.
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What causes ED?
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ED can have various causes, including physical factors (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances), psychological factors (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression), and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption).
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Is ED common?
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Yes, ED is a relatively common condition, affecting millions of men worldwide. The risk of ED increases with age, but it can affect men of all ages.
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How is ED diagnosed?
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Diagnosis typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and potentially some blood tests to check for underlying health conditions.
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What treatment options are available for ED?
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Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of ED. They may include lifestyle changes, medication, therapy, vacuum devices, injections, or in some cases, surgery. Our clinic offers a range of these options.
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Can ED be cured?
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In some cases, ED can be cured, particularly when it’s caused by reversible factors like lifestyle choices or psychological issues. Even when a complete cure isn’t possible, ED can often be effectively managed with treatment.
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Is treatment for ED confidential?
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Yes, we understand the sensitive nature of ED and maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patient information and treatment plans.
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How can I schedule an appointment?
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You can call our clinic directly or use the online booking system on our website to schedule a consultation.
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What can I expect during my first visit?
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Your first visit will typically involve a consultation with one of our medical professionals. They will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment options. A physical exam may also be conducted.
