Erectile dysfunction: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Written in association with: Mr Ammar Alanbuki
Published:
Edited by: Conor Dunworth

Erectile dysfunction can be an embarrassing condition for some men, but luckily, there are very effective treatments available. In his latest online article, renowned consultant urologist Mr Ammar Alanbuki offers his expert insight into this condition. He explains how erectile dysfunction is diagnosed, the symptoms and the treatments available.

 

What is erectile dysfunction (ED), and how is it diagnosed?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man has consistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It can be diagnosed through a medical evaluation, including a discussion of symptoms and medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests.

 

What are the key symptoms that differentiate ED from other sexual disorders?

Key symptoms that differentiate ED from other sexual disorders include the consistent inability to achieve or sustain an erection, reduced sexual desire, and emotional distress related to these difficulties.

 

Could you explain the physiological factors contributing to erectile dysfunction?

Physiological factors contributing to ED can include issues with blood flow, nerve function, and hormonal imbalances. It may also result from psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or relationship problems.

 

How do conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal imbalances affect erectile function?

Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal imbalances can affect erectile function by disrupting blood flow and nerve signals to the penis. These conditions can lead to damage of blood vessels and nerves, making it more challenging to achieve and maintain an erection.

 

What are the available treatment options for erectile dysfunction?

Treatment options for ED include lifestyle changes (such as exercise and diet improvements), psychotherapy, medications (e.g., Viagra, Cialis), vacuum erection devices, injections, and surgical procedures. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying causes and the patient's preferences. It's essential to consult a doctor for a personalized approach to ED treatment.

 

 

Mr Ammar Alanbuki is a leading consultant urologist based in Brighton, Horley, Hove and Haywards Heath. If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Alanbuki, you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile. 

By Mr Ammar Alanbuki
Urology

Mr Ammar Alanbuki is an esteemed consultant urologist with private clinics at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital, Nuffield Health Haywards Heath and Spire Montefiore Hospital. He specialises in prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, bladder and kidney cancer, laparoscopic surgery, kidney stones, penile scrotal pathologies and female urology.  

He graduated in 1998 from Al-Mustansirya University in Iraq and completed basic surgical training in the northeast of England. He then worked as a research fellow at the Barts and London University Hospitals, working on the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial. He joined the Eastern deanery for the higher surgical training program in urology and received training in diagnostic and therapeutic general urology. He spent two years gaining sub-specialist training in endourology, laparoscopic kidney surgery and stone disease at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals and successfully completed a research project in the management of testicular tumours as part of a masters degree from Teesside University. 

Mr Alanbuki has worked as a consultant urological surgeon at Brighton and Sussex NHS Trust since 2016. His experience, transferable skills and constant research allow him to provide the highest quality patient care. He has several publications and has actively participated in both national and international meetings. His memberships include the American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology. 

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