Erectile dysfunction (impotence) occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
The urologist will obtain a thorough history and perform a physical exam to check for health problems that could be causing the erectile dysfunction.
Treatments
There are several prescription medications available the urologist may prescribe to improve erectile function. There are also medications when directly applied into the penis by injection or penile suppository that will enable the patient to have an erection. Low testosterone levels can cause erectile dysfunction. If this is the cause, the urologist will begin the patient on testosterone replacement therapy.
If the urologist determines the blood supply within or adjacent to the penis is the cause of the impotence, repair of the vessels involved will be recommended.
If medications do not bring satisfactory function, or if the patient prefers not to use medications or cannot, the urologist may recommend a penile pump as an alternative.
Surgical correction of erectile dysfunction would be the insertion of a penile implant.
