Doctors for erectile dysfunction (ED): Options, treatments, and more

Share on Pinterest

A quick look at the best doctors for ED

• Best for sexual health: Urologist
• Best for heart and cardiovascular conditions: Cardiologist
• Best for hormonal conditions: Endocrinologist
• Best for psychological support: Mental health professionals
• Best company for branded and generic medication: Roman
• Best company for the newest FDA-approved ED medication: Hims
• Best company for fast doctor consultations: Lemonaid

ED is common, even among people who are young and otherwise healthy. Its prevalence increases with age.

Occasional ED is not always a cause for concern, but if trouble with erections is frequent or getting worse, the cause may be an underlying health condition that needs treatment.

This article describes which medical specialists and telehealth options can help people with ED. It also explains what tends to happen at the appointment and lists some questions a person can consider asking the doctor.

A person should initially speak with a primary care physician or family doctor if they have any concerns about erectile dysfunction. They will be able to do an examination, diagnose ED, and prescribe treatments. They will also suggest which specialist to see if a person needs further tests to determine the cause of their ED, which may include urologists, endocrinologists, or cardiologists.

A person may wish to consider seeing a primary care physician who specializes in male sexual health.

People usually first raise concerns about ED with their primary care physician or family doctor.

The doctor will ask about the person’s symptoms and medical history. They may also ask if there is a family history of diabetes or heart disease, which are two conditions that can sometimes cause ED.

The doctor may then order simple blood work to help determine if the ED likely stems from an underlying health condition.

Depending on the outcomes of the consultation and blood test, the doctor may then refer the person to a specialist. The type of specialist depends on the most likely cause of ED at this point.

Below is a look at some of these medical specialists in more detail.

Best for sexual health: Urologist

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract, and is an expert in male sexual health.

They may help diagnose and treat:

• ED
• premature ejaculation
• prostate issues

A person with ED may receive a referral to a urologist if:

• Their current treatment is not working.
• Their primary care physician suspects that a health issue is affecting the urinary or reproductive system.
• They have a long-term urinary or reproductive condition that increases their risk of ED.

Learn more about how a urologist can help with ED.

Best for heart and cardiovascular conditions: Cardiologist

Heart disease and ED share many risk factors. Because of this, ED can sometimes signal an underlying issue with the heart, and cardiovascular problems can increase the risk of developing ED.

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the heart and blood vessels. A person may receive a referral to a cardiologist if:

• They have preexisting heart or cardiovascular disease.
• They have a risk of this kind of health issue.
• They have a family history of heart or cardiovascular disease.
• Their primary care physician or urologist is unable to diagnose another cause of ED.

Best for hormonal conditions: Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating hormonal conditions. They may treat imbalances in testosterone or estrogen, as well as conditions such as diabetes.

An appointment with an endocrinologist usually involves blood work and answering questions about lifestyle and sexual history.

Depending on the cause of ED, the doctor may prescribe or recommend:

• lifestyle changes to help manage diabetes
• medications to help manage diabetes
• hormone injections to treat conditions such as low testosterone

Best for psychological support: Mental health professionals

Mental health conditions can cause ED, and they can also develop in response to it.

For example, the following are sometimes the primary cause of ED:

• stress
• anxiety
• depression
• post-traumatic stress disorder

A psychotherapist or psychiatrist may recommend talking therapy, medication, or a combination.

Learn more about men’s mental health.

Medical News Today chooses telehealth providers that meet the following criteria:

• Licensed in the United States: MNT chooses companies that use U.S.-licensed healthcare professionals that review all assessments and prescribe medication.
• Legitimate medication: MNT only selects companies that provide ED medication that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved.
• Privacy: MNT chooses companies that have a clear privacy policy, comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws, and offer products in discreet packaging.

It is possible to receive help for ED via an online or telehealth platform. Many of these companies advertise ED services because speaking about it with a doctor in person can make some people uncomfortable.

However, many health conditions that can cause ED require in-person testing. For example, a doctor cannot diagnose diabetes or cardiovascular disease online.

As a result, doctors offering online services may prescribe medication as a short-term ED treatment. They will usually recommend an in-person follow-up appointment with a specialist. This is especially likely if a person has other symptoms or is at risk of conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Learn more about the best ED pills for diabetes.

Below are some telehealth companies offering prescription ED medication that a person can consider.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best company for branded and generic medication: Roman

Roman is a telehealth company that sells generic and branded sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) in various doses. These include:

• Viagra: Roman sells Viagra in 25, 50, and 100 milligrams (mg) doses, costing from $90 per dose.
• Generic Viagra: This medication works similarly to branded Viagra. Roman sells it in 25, 50, and 100 mg doses for between $4 and $10 per dose.
• Cialis: Roman sells branded Cialis in 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg doses. Prices range from $8 per dose.
• Generic Cialis: Roman sells generic Cialis in 5, 10, and 20 mg doses. Doses of 5 mg cost $11, while 10 and 20 mg doses cost $44.
• Daily generic Cialis: A person can also buy daily tadalafil medication — the active ingredient in Cialis — for $8 per dose. It comes in 2.5 and 5 mg doses.

Learn more about Roman.

After a person signs up for Roman, a doctor or nurse practitioner gets in touch to discuss their symptoms and treatment options.

The company claims it ships the medication to a person’s chosen location in discreet packaging within 2 days. Roman offers free shipping and a membership that includes free appointments and unlimited free follow-up appointments.

Best company for the newest FDA-approved ED medication: Hims

Hims offers the following prescription ED treatments:

• Viagra: A person can take Hims Viagra as needed in doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg. It costs $139 per dose.
• Generic Viagra: Sildenafil from Hims comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg doses and costs between $4–10 per dose.
• Stendra: The active ingredient in Stendra is avanafil. It is a new ED medication that the FDA approved in 2012. It comes in doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg and costs from $53 per dose.
• Tadalafil: Hims offers an as-needed option for tadalafil. It comes in 5, 10, and 20 mg doses and costs $82 a month.
• Daily Cialis: A person should take this Cialis treatment daily. It comes in 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg doses and costs $958 a month.
• Daily tadalafil: As the generic form of Cialis, this daily tadalafil tablet comes in 2.5 and 5 mg doses and costs $82 a month.

Learn more about Hims.

When signing up for Hims, a person must fill in an online form, detailing their symptoms and medical history.

The company pairs each person with a licensed healthcare professional in their state who will review the form and prescribe treatment if necessary.

The company then ships the medication in discreet packaging to a location of the person’s choice.

Best company for fast doctor consultations: Lemonaid

Lemonaid provides generic Viagra with prices starting at $2 per dose, and daily Cialis for $8 per dose.

A person can get a 30-day supply of ED medications for $60 per month. The company also offers daily generic Cialis, which it recommends for people who have sex five or more times a week.

To use this service, a person completes an online assessment. The company claims a U.S.-based doctor or nurse practitioner will message the person within 1 day. They will review the person’s assessment and ask follow-up questions if necessary.

Consultations for ED cost $25.

If a Lemonaid doctor writes a person a prescription, the company states it ships the medication in discreet packaging to a location of the person’s choosing within 2–3 days.

The table below provides a comparison table for the telehealth companies discussed in this article.

A person should be prepared to answer a wide range of questions during their first appointment for ED. The more information a person can provide, the greater the likelihood that the doctor can diagnose the cause of the ED.

The doctor may ask:

• When did the ED begin?
• Does the ED occur all the time or only some of the time?
• Does it occur before or during sex?
• Do you have problems with arousal?
• Is it possible to ejaculate or orgasm during sexual activity or masturbation?
• Are your erections painful?
• Have you noticed any lumps in the penis?
• Is penetration difficult?
• Typically, how firm are your erections?
• Do you wake up with an erection?

The doctor may also ask about lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise habits.

Diagnostic procedure

To diagnose ED, a doctor may perform the following tests:

• a prostate examination
• a penis examination, which may include tests to see how fully a person perceives sensations
• an ultrasound scan to measure blood flow to the penis
• an examination of the heart and lungs using a stethoscope
• blood pressure monitoring
• blood tests to check for health concerns such as:
  • infections
  • hormonal imbalances
  • diabetes

When seeing a doctor about ED, it may help to ask:

• What are the most likely causes of ED in someone my age, with my overall health?
• Will treating an underlying medical issue fix the ED? How long will it take to see results?
• Are there any other symptoms I should watch for?
• What are the risks and benefits of ED medication?
• Are there any other treatment options?
• Could lifestyle changes help?

The treatment options for ED depend on its cause. The sections below describe some potential treatments in more detail.

Viagra

One popular ED treatment is Viagra, and its active ingredient is sildenafil. This works by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Sildenafil may be a suitable treatment option when ED:

• is occasional
• is age-related
• has no underlying cause that a doctor can find

Lifestyle changes

A doctor may recommend the following lifestyle changes to help treat ED:

• quitting smoking
• avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption
• getting regular exercise
• having a balanced diet
• receiving treatment, including counseling, for any mental health conditions that may be contributing to ED, such as:
  • stress
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • trauma
• going to couples counseling to explore ways of managing ED with a partner

Treatments for underlying health conditions

ED can sometimes result from a medical condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. In some cases, treating the underlying health issue resolves the ED or keeps it from getting worse.

Some other options for ED treatment include:

• Testosterone injections: For those with low testosterone, testosterone injections may be a suitable ED treatment. Research shows that long-term treatment was effective for alleviating ED. The researchers also state this treatment reduces cardiometabolic risk factors and the risk of prostate cancer.
• Vasodilator injections: A person can self-administer an injection of a vasodilator drug into the penis which helps promote blood flow. This additional blood flow allows for an erection.
• A penis pump: A penis pump is a handheld device that a person holds over their penis. The vacuum mechanism pulls blood into the penis to help develop and sustain an erection.
• Penile implant surgery: In cases of ED that have not responded to other treatments, a doctor may recommend penile implant surgery. During this surgery, surgeons place an inflatable or rigid rod device inside the penis. This allows a person to maintain an erection.

ED can be difficult to live with, and it can affect a person’s self-esteem, sex life, and relationships.

However, it is often treatable, and a person should be open with their partner, if they have one, and involve them in the treatment process if possible. Research has shown that involving partners during medical treatment for ED can improve treatment outcomes.

Learn more about how to deal with ED in a long-term relationship.

If ED is having a significant effect on a person’s mental health, they should reach out to a doctor. They may suggest seeing a therapist to learn about techniques for coping with the psychological effects of ED.

A person should seek medical advice about ED as soon as they can to move their diagnosis and treatment process forward quickly.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about approaching a doctor about ED.

Do I need a prescription for ED medication?

A person needs a prescription for medications such as Viagra or Cialis. A primary care physician or a doctor at a telehealth company can provide it.

The healthcare professional will review the person’s symptoms and medical history and prescribe a medication that best suits their needs.

Some companies sell herbal remedies for ED but speak with a healthcare professional before taking any of these.

The FDA warns that many over-the-counter ED products have undisclosed amounts of prescription medications, which can cause severe side effects.

How do I ask my doctor for Viagra?

It can help to go to an appointment prepared with a list of questions, especially if ED is causing any anxiety. A person might ask:

• Which medication or treatment is most suitable for me?
• Does my insurance cover the cost of any treatment?
• Will the medication interact with anything else I am taking?
• What are the possible side effects?
• How long does it take for the treatment to start working?
• What are the next steps if this does not work?
• Will I need to see a specialist?
• Could any lifestyle changes help?

A healthcare professional should not be uncomfortable discussing ED. If anyone feels that their doctor is not taking their concerns seriously or is otherwise not providing the expected level of care, they can ask for a different doctor.

Should I see a specialist for ED?

A person should contact a primary care physician or family doctor first as it may not always be necessary to see a specialist. A doctor will often be able to diagnose ED and prescribe treatments, and may only suggest seeing a specialist if more tests are needed or they cannot confirm an ED diagnosis.

Who is the best doctor for erectile dysfunction?

The best doctor for ED will depend on the cause of a person’s ED. A person should initially see a primary care physician or family doctor to discuss ED as they can carry out a full examination and prescribe treatment.

They can also suggest seeing specialists if necessary. The type of specialist a person sees will depend on the suspected cause of ED. For instance, urologists are experts in male sexual health, while endocrinologists are specialists in hormones, and cardiologists will be able to understand if a heart condition is causing ED.

Can doctors fix erectile dysfunction?

Yes, a doctor can fix a person’s erectile dysfunction in most cases. They may prescribe medication or refer a person for surgery in more severe cases. They will also treat any underlying conditions that are causing erectile dysfunction.

Can a urologist fix erectile dysfunction?

A urologist can fix erectile dysfunction with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. They will recommend the most appropriate treatment depending on what is causing a person’s ED.

Learn more about what a urologist can do for ED.

ED is common and can occur at any age. It may cause frustration, worry, and embarrassment.

An occasional inability to get or maintain an erection is not necessarily a cause for concern. But frequent ED could signal an underlying mental or physical health condition that requires treatment.

Anyone with ED symptoms should visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. An online doctor may prescribe a short-term treatment, but diagnosing the cause usually requires in-person testing. This diagnosis is necessary for treating ED in the long term.