Erectile Dysfunction

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Had a stressful day? Didn’t get enough sleep? Had a few too many beers while unwinding? All of these things can cause erectile dysfunction.

And sometimes you can connect the dots and pinpoint why you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). But other times it can be tougher to know why this is happening to you.

If you’re having ED more than half of the time and you’re not sure why, it could be a medical issue — one that’s common and treatable. At Cleveland Clinic, we have urologists who regularly treat complex cases help get you back to feeling 100%.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Erectile Dysfunction Care?

Demonstrated expertise

Our urologists meet the highest standards and stay up to date on the latest ED treatments. We also lead research that has the potential to improve tomorrow’s erectile dysfunction care.

Patient-centered care

We know it isn’t necessarily easy to talk about erectile dysfunction. But our experts are easy to talk to. They’ll listen carefully as you explain how ED affects your life. We discuss all your options and work together to make a plan that works for you. Meet our team.

Collaborative approach

If other medical treatments are causing your erectile dysfunction, we’ll work alongside other Cleveland Clinic specialists to find alternatives. If you have uncontrolled diabetes that’s to blame, we reach out to your endocrinologist. If ED is a side effect of blood pressure-lowering medications, we contact your cardiologist.

Surgical excellence

We perform a high volume of penile implant surgeries. Our experts also offer revision surgery if you haven’t been happy with the results of a procedure you already had. This level of experience leads to precise care and lasting relief.

Second opinions

Sometimes, you need another person to look over your medical information and give an opinion. Our expertise draws patients from across the country, especially for second opinions. We tailor recommendations to your needs and preferences. These services may be available via virtual visit for your convenience.

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic

To get started, we perform a comprehensive assessment to diagnose your ED.

Initial evaluation

Your first visit starts with a self-evaluation. You complete a brief questionnaire (called the International Index of Erectile Function), which helps guide care recommendations. We ask about other medical conditions you have been treated for and medications you’re taking. You then describe your ED symptoms and they are affecting your relationships.

We do a short physical exam to rule out issues like curvature of the penis (Peyronie's disease).

Advanced assessment

If we can’t determine what’s causing your erectile dysfunction, we use imaging studies to look at blood flow. Some imaging tests you might need include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a vascular ultrasound.

Providers Who Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.

ED Treatment at Cleveland Clinic

Solving ED starts with a conversation about what’s causing your symptoms and which therapies can help. Treatments may include:

Noninvasive therapies

Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, exercising more and lowering stress, may make your symptoms less severe. You may also need medications. Even if you’ve not had success with medications in the past, trying a different one may give you better results.

Talk therapy can also be beneficial. A counselor who specializes in sexual health can help you push past any guilt or anxiety that may be contributing to ED. Another option is a vacuum constriction device. When you are ready to have sex, the device draws blood into the penis, creating an erection.

Advanced ED treatments

If noninvasive treatments didn’t work for you, there are other options. Some people are helped by penile injections. You learn how to use a tiny needle to inject the side of your penis with medications that relax blood vessels. This enhances blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve an erection.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) is an in-office procedure. It uses a hand-held wand to deliver mild shockwaves to stimulate blood vessel growth in the penis. LISWT isn’t painful, and no anesthesia is necessary.

If other treatment options stop working, penile implant surgery might be a good option for you. We implant tiny cylinders under the abdominal wall and a pump inside the scrotum. The pump inflates the cylinders, creating an erection with the press of a button.

Taking the Next Step

Don’t stay silent when it comes to erectile dysfunction. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Having ED is not something you have to live with. And it’s not simply an unavoidable part of getting older. It’s a symptom that can be treated once the cause is figured out. The first step? Getting experienced urologists who are ready to help.