Erectile Dysfunction
Welcome to Qoctor’s online doctor service which provides assessment & treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. First, you’ll need to answer some simple health questions. If treatment is appropriate, you can have your prescription emailed direct to your local pharmacy (or posted to you), OR you can get medication delivered.
- It costs $26.99 for the online assessment, which also covers any prescription(s) issued.
- If you request to have medication delivered to you, the cost of medication will be added.
About Erectile Dysfunction (E.D)
- E.D affects most men at some time in their lives.
- It’s when you can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
- Many men experience the problem now and then- for example if they are under stress. However, for some, it can be more ongoing and troublesome.
- E.D can be caused by a variety of potentially serious health conditions. It’s also a side effect of various medications, or a symptom of stress, depression or relationship problems.
- It’s important to see a doctor in person to discuss these issues.
FAQs
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to get or keep an erection which is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Many men experience this issue now and then- for example if they are under stress. However, for some, it can be a more ongoing and troublesome problem, and if this is the case, it’s important to make sure there are no underlying causes.
A variety of issues can lead to erectile dysfunction:
- Reduced blood flow to the penis
This is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men over 40 years. The arteries which take blood to the penis can become narrowed and the blood flow may be insufficient to cause an erection. Smoking, raised cholesterol and obesity can be contributing factors to this.
- Damage to nerves supplying the penis
This may be due to a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, or spinal injury/surgery
- Diabetes
Diabetes is another common cause of ED and can affect the blood flow and the nerves to the penis. If you are concerned about diabetes you should see your doctor for a blood test.
- Alcohol
In the short term alcohol can reduce blood flow to the penis, and in the long term it can reduce testosterone levels and reduce sex drive. Excessive drinking (more than 14 units per week) can have a number of other negative effects on your health.
- Psychological causes
Stress, anxiety and depression are very common, and can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you feel you may be suffering from any of these problems, you should speak to your GP.
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by a variety of medical and psychological issues. If you wish to access treatment for Erectile Dysfunction online it is very important to see a doctor first for a proper check-up and physical examination, to rule out any underlying conditions.
Yes, several types of medication can lead to erectile dysfunction- so if you develop problems with getting or sustaining an erection soon after starting a new medication you should speak to your doctor ( it’s usually advisable not to stop any medication suddenly). Common culprits include:
- Beta-blockers (eg propranolol, bisoprolol or carvedilol)- often used to treat blood pressure or other heart conditions
- Diuretics- also known as “water tablets” (eg furosemide, indapamide), often used to treat heart conditions
- Antidepressants (eg citalopram, fluoxetine) used to treat depression or anxiety
- Antihistamines (eg promethazine/phenergan, diphenhydramine) used to treat allergies
- H2 blockers (e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine) used to treat acid reflux and heartburn.
Before you get treatment for erectile dysfunction, Qoctor advises you discuss your health and any medications you’re taking with your doctor.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors:
A group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are commonly used as treatment for erectile dysfunction. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis. However, it’s important to speak to a doctor and get checked out for underlying causes first.
Health Library- assessment, diagnosis and treatment of E.D
E.D (impotence) affects a lot of men, but it may be an embarrassing subject to broach with a doctor. A lot of men may wish to access treatment for E.D online, however, it’s important to get your symptoms properly checked out by a doctor first, as in some situations E.D can be a symptom of other underlying health problems , such as Diabetes, circulation problems or conditions affecting the nerves. It may also be a side effect of several commonly prescribed medications– such as antidepressants, blood pressure tablets and other medications commonly prescribed for heart disease. Anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties may also be a contributing factor- if you think this may apply to you, you can find out more at Beyond Blue. In the articles below we explore symptoms, causes and treatment of E.D.
What is a fractured penis?
What is a fractured penis? Although the penis doesn’t have a bone in it, it can be fractured! A fractured penis occurs when the spongy tissue that swells during an erection is broken. It is incredibly rare- only occurring between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 men. Request an STI test referral online How does a fractured penis happen? A fractured penis cannot happen when the penis is flaccid, because the tissue is soft & flexible. However, when the spongy tissue in the penis is firm during an erection, it is less flexible and more at risk of being injured. A fractured penis is most likely to happen during sex when it can be suddenly traumatised and bent unnaturally. What are the most common causes of a fractured penis? The position most likely [...]
How to get rid of Jock Itch
How to get rid of Jock Itch What is Jock Itch? Jock Itch is a common name for the medical condition also known as "Tinea Cruris". Jock Itch is caused by a fungus which naturally lives on the skin, but under certain conditions overgrows and leads to an itchy rash in the groin, either side of the penis and scrotum. Generally, the skin on both sides of the genitals becomes itchy and then appears dry and scaly. It can get red and spread, become more intensely itchy. Scratching can lead to nicks and bleeds in the irritated skin. Tinea can also affect the skin elsewhere, e.g. between the toes (Tinea Pedis) and beard (Tinea Barbae), so if you have Tinea on one part of the body it’s possible to "seed it" elsewhere. Get ED treatment online What causes Jock [...]
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men What are Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? ‘Lower urinary tract symptoms’ are symptoms related to passing urine and are common in men as they get older. Lower urinary tract symptoms can be classified into either storage symptoms (having to urinate too often) or voiding symptoms (having difficulty with the flow of your urine). The most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men is an enlarged prostate gland. How to get a medical certificate online Lower Urinary Tracts Symptoms include Hesitancy – despite the feeling of needing to urinate, the urine flow doesn’t start immediately. Weak or intermittent stream – urine flow starts and stops Straining to start /or continue urination There is dribbling after urination A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder Having to go to the bathroom very often. Particularly noticeable at [...]
Testicular Torsion- how to spot this serious condition
What is Testicular Torsion? Testicular torsion refers to the twisting of a testicle and the spermatic cord attached to it, inside the scrotum. If prolonged and untreated, the twisting rapidly affects the blood flow to the testicle, leading to tissue damage and the possibility of testicle loss and subsequent reduced fertility. Testicular torsion can occur at any age, including newborns, but is most commonly in 12-18 year olds. There is usually no obvious cause, although in about 5% of cases it is triggered by physical trauma. What are the symptoms of testicular torsion? The classical presenting symptoms include quick onset of scrotal pain on the affected side, swelling, redness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. On examination, the scrotal skin is usually red, the affected testicle can be swollen or sit high in the scrotum and appear to be horizontal. Some of the symptoms of testicular [...]
Phimosis- causes and treatment of a tight foreskin
What is Phimosis? What is Phimosis? Phimosis is the medical word that describes a tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back past the head of the penis (glans). This is normal in babies and infants (physiologic phimosis), as almost all boys under 2 years of age have a tight foreskin at birth that cannot be pulled back to expose the head. Through repeated erections and developmental changes, the foreskin generally loosens through the ages of 3-16 so that by the age of 16-18, only 1% of boys will still have phimosis (pathologic phimosis). How to get a medical certificate online What causes Phimosis? One cause of pathologic phimosis is overzealous and forceful pulling back of the foreskin in young children, which can cause adhesions and scarring that leads to the tightness. The foreskin should never be forcibly pulled [...]
How to see a doctor online with Qoctor
How to see a doctor online Some health issues require a visit to the doctor in person, but there are many that can now be sorted by a GP online, via Telehealth. An online GP can help you with many common health problems, whether you need advice, a prescription, a referral letter or some other paperwork such as a medical certificate. Most providers, such as Qoctor, will do this via a video consultation. Prescriptions, letters and certificates can be sent to you, immediately after your appointment. The doctors at Qoctor are all based in Australia and are registered with AHPRA. GET STARTED How to see a doctor online for a medical certificate If you’ve missed work or uni due to a minor illness like a head cold, sore throat or gastro, you can get a medical certificate online. This is particularly convenient if you are [...]
