Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction means that you might have trouble getting or maintaining an erection.

Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, particularly as you get older. It is estimated that 50% of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 have some degree of erectile dysfunction.

There are three main types of ejaculatory dysfunction:
•    Premature ejaculation, when it happens too quickly
•    Delayed ejaculation, when it happens too slowly or not at all
•    Retrograde ejaculation, a rare condition where semen goes back into the bladder

There are a multitude of causes of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. 

Your specialist from London Urologica will take the time to fully understand your problem and how it affects your life.
By choosing London Urologica, an expert multidisciplinary team will also support you from your initial consultations and throughout your treatment journey with us. 

Causes

Erectile dysfunction can be due to a number of causes.

Physical reasons can include diabetes, hormonal changes, and issues with the blood vessels going to your penis. Erectile dysfunction can also be due to medication that you have been prescribed for another condition.

Psychological issues can also contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as depression and anxiety. Ejaculatory dysfunction also has a number of causes. Premature ejaculation may be due to prostate or thyroid conditions, or due to psychological causes.

Delayed ejaculation can have physical causes that include diabetes, spinal cord problems and bladder or prostate surgery. Retrograde ejaculation is due to damage to the nerves and muscles near the bladder. This can happen after surgery to the prostate or bladder, from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or certain medications for high blood pressure.
 

Symptoms 

You may find that your erectile dysfunction is different depending on the situation. 

Some people may be unable to get an erection at all, others may find that they cannot maintain an erection for long enough. For premature or delayed ejaculation you will find that when you reach orgasm is either too fast or too slow. 

If you have retrograde ejaculation, you may find that you produce little or no semen when you have an orgasm. You may also see that your urine is cloudy after having sex.

Diagnosis

Our specialists at London Urologica see problems with erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction very regularly. If you are experiencing these issues, you should not feel embarrassed, as many men are in the same situation. When you see one of our specialists at London Urologica, we will take the time to fully understand your problem. 

This will include taking a full medical history, particularly looking for causes such as surgery, trauma and any medications you may be taking
You will be examined to see if there is any physical cause that could account for your symptoms.

Your specialist might decide to order some simple tests, including general blood tests, urine testing, and hormone level measurement.
The results of all of these will be explained to you. If your specialist thinks that other specific investigations are needed, the will discuss this with you.

Treatments

For many people, their symptoms can be improved with lifestyle changes. This can include losing weight, doing more exercise, eating a healthy diet, cutting down on alcohol intake, and stop smoking.

If you have an underlying condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, your specialist will ensure that this is well-managed.
For many people with erectile dysfunction, a medication such as Viagra can help improve their symptoms.

If medication does not help improve your erections, there are other therapies and devices that can help. Your specialist will explain all your options and help you decide what is best for you. If you have ejaculatory dysfunction your specialist will discuss treatment options with you. 

For some this may mean taking new medication, such as Viagra. For others it may mean changing medication that you are currently taking. Other changes that can help, including reducing your alcohol intake or changing your diet.

If you have retrograde ejaculation which is affecting your sex life or you are trying to have a child, there are medications and procedures that can help. 

Alternatively you may decide that no treatment is needed, as the condition does not otherwise affect your sex life.