Comprehensive care and treatment for erectile dysfunction to help restore confidence and improve sexual health with our Spital Clinic GPs.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is a common condition, especially in men over 40. While occasional difficulty with erections is normal, persistent ED can affect self-esteem and relationships. At Spital Clinic, we provide specialised care to address and treat this condition effectively.
ED can result from various physical and psychological factors. Physical causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances, while psychological causes encompass stress, anxiety, and depression. Our comprehensive approach ensures that all potential causes are thoroughly investigated to provide the most effective treatment.
Diagnosing ED involves a thorough evaluation by our experienced GPs. They will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and any medications you are taking. This initial consultation helps identify underlying conditions that may contribute to ED.
Physical examinations and basic health checks, such as blood pressure measurement and genital examination, are conducted. Blood tests may be ordered to check for diabetes, hormone levels, and other health indicators. In some cases, a rectal exam may be necessary to assess the prostate. These detailed diagnostics help in formulating an effective treatment plan.
Erectile dysfunction can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting self-confidence and intimate relationships. It may lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, further exacerbating the condition. Seeking timely treatment can help restore sexual function and improve overall well-being, positively influencing your mental and emotional health.
Treatment for ED varies based on the underlying cause. Medications such as PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) are commonly prescribed to enhance blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection. These medications require a prescription and must be taken as advised by your doctor.
Non-drug treatments include vacuum pumps, which draw blood into the penis to cause an erection. If medications are ineffective or unsuitable, vacuum pumps offer an alternative solution. Additionally, addressing the root cause, such as switching medications, treating high blood pressure, or managing psychological issues through counselling, can significantly improve ED.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question about Erectile Dysfunction? We have an answer.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It can result from various factors including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, or psychological factors. Lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can also contribute. Some medications may cause ED as a side effect. If you're experiencing persistent erectile problems, consult your GP. They can help identify underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments.
Erectile dysfunction is quite common, especially as men age. It affects about 40% of men at age 40, increasing to 70% by age 70. However, ED can occur at any age. It's important to note that occasional difficulty with erections is normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. If ED becomes a persistent issue affecting your quality of life, it's advisable to seek medical advice. Your GP can provide a confidential assessment and discuss treatment options.
GPs diagnose erectile dysfunction through a combination of methods. They'll take a detailed medical history and discuss your symptoms. A physical examination may be performed to check for underlying health issues. Blood tests can assess hormone levels and check for conditions like diabetes. In some cases, your GP might recommend a nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test or refer you to a urologist for further evaluation. They'll explain the diagnostic process and what each test can reveal about your condition.
Treatment for ED depends on the underlying cause. Options may include oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). Other treatments include vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or suppositories. For some men, lifestyle changes or psychological counselling may be effective. In rare cases, surgical options might be considered. Your GP can explain which treatments are suitable for your specific situation. They'll discuss the potential benefits and side effects of each option.
Yes, lifestyle changes can often improve erectile function. These may include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Managing stress and getting adequate sleep are also important. For some men, these changes alone can resolve mild ED. Your GP can provide personalised advice on lifestyle modifications that might benefit your overall health and sexual function. They might also recommend working with a nutritionist or fitness professional to support these changes.
Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of more serious health issues. It may indicate underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances. ED can also be associated with neurological conditions or prostate problems. If you're experiencing ED, it's important to have a thorough health evaluation. Your GP can assess whether your ED symptoms warrant further investigation for other health conditions. Early detection of these issues can lead to more effective treatment.
Psychological factors can significantly impact erectile function. Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues can all contribute to ED. Performance anxiety, often resulting from previous ED experiences, can create a cycle of erectile problems. In some cases, ED may be primarily psychological, even without physical causes. If you suspect psychological factors are contributing to your ED, discuss this with your GP. They may recommend counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy alongside other treatments to address both physical and psychological aspects of ED.
You should consult your GP if you're consistently having difficulty achieving or maintaining erections. It's particularly important to seek medical advice if ED is causing distress or affecting your relationships. Other reasons to see a GP include sudden onset of ED, especially if you're under 50, or if you notice other symptoms like reduced libido or curvature of the penis during erections. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from seeking help. GPs are experienced in discussing sexual health issues confidentially and can offer valuable support and treatment options.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
