How to talk to your Doctor about Erectile Dysfunction

How to Talk to Your Doctor about Erectile Dysfunction

Talking to your doctor about erectile dysfunction (ED) can be difficult and, for some men, a little embarrassing. While there is no reason to feel ashamed about any medical conditions, this is a topic that many men may avoid completely, sometimes hiding their condition for years. Speaking openly with your doctor about difficulty achieving and/or sustaining an erection is important, as it may be a symptom of other medical problems.

Here are a couple of ways to make your visit to the doctor a little easier

Write down your questions

One of the handiest tips anyone can follow when faced with having to have a conversation with their doctor about a delicate subject is to write down your questions. Having your questions written down will help you address the tough questions, help you focus, and help you get the answers you need. In fact, if you have a hard time actually asking the questions out loud, you can hand the list of questions to your doctor and simply say “I have some questions about this.” On your list note specific questions such as “How do I know if I have ED?”

Choose your comfort words

No one expects you to be comfortable saying the words “erectile dysfunction” or other medical terms, but you do need to tell your doctor what’s wrong. Think about how you can best describe your situation to your doctor in words that are comfortable for you to use, such as: “I think I am having problems in the bedroom,” or “I’m having trouble getting it up and keeping it up.” Your doctor will know what you are referring to.

When your doctor understands that you are referring to erectile dysfunction, he will then ask you some questions about your health, possibly about your sex life, and your lifestyle in general so that they can begin to get a full picture of your situation and begin to look at possible solutions such as prescribing prescription medications for erectile dysfunction or other options or treatments.

Your doctor and pharmacists are used to talking to patients about sensitive topics and, most of all, they are there to help you. Don’t hesitate to discuss your medical conditions or your concerns with your healthcare team.