Online erectile dysfunction treatment can feel extremely personal. Erectile dysfunction is more common than you think, however. You are not alone and men can definitely seek evaluation and treatment online through telehealth.
Sexual health is an important part of everyone’s overall health and function. Many men struggle to seek care for erectile dysfunction due to stress or stigma. At Omnia Telehealth we offer easy access to licensed clinicians for secure online visits. Providers evaluate your symptoms and conditions which may be contributing over time and provide support safely throughout treatment.
Treating your erectile dysfunction online isn’t skipping steps. It allows patients to receive the exact same standard of care while being provided services privately at home. Telehealth visits are now the easiest way for patients to enter into long term sexual health care.
Erectile dysfunction happens when getting or keeping an erection becomes difficult or inconsistent. While sexual difficulties from time to time are normal, erectile dysfunction can be caused by underlying medical problems that need to be addressed. In many ways erectile dysfunction care begins with understanding your risks.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Your vascular health has a large impact on erectile dysfunction, which is why it can be a warning sign for heart disease. Hormones, medications, nerve damage, and mental health factors like stress and depression can also play a role.
To properly evaluate your erectile dysfunction, your clinician will work with you to assess risk factors and identify causes that may be reversible. Your blood pressure history, blood sugar levels, cholesterol numbers, and hormone levels may be discussed during visits.
Questions about smoking, alcohol intake, weight, sleep habits, and stress may also be incorporated. Evaluating and addressing these issues can not only help with erectile dysfunction but also improve your overall health.
How Does Telehealth Help Treat ED?
Telehealth visits can be used to perform a detailed evaluation of your symptoms and concerns. Based on what you share with your clinician at your first visit about onset, severity, current medications, and medical history, specific questions can be asked to identify possible causes.
Many providers use questionnaires that have been validated to assess erectile function. These questionnaires can be reused over time to measure changes and treatment response.
Lab work may be ordered if needed through local labs or companies that ship at home testing kits directly to your home. These labs can confirm if there are hormonal, metabolic or chemical causes for your erectile dysfunction and guide treatment recommendations.
Patients may be prescribed ED medications alone if there are no contraindications such as use of nitrate medications or unstable heart conditions. Alternatively, hormone medications or metformin may be started first if low testosterone or prediabetes is confirmed.
Patients should check in with telehealth providers to review response to medication, adjust dosing, and screen for side effects. Flexible dosing schedules can be utilized to optimize response based on your experiences.
Treatment Options That Work for Erectile Dysfunction
Many men are started on oral medications that help improve erections by enhancing blood flow. These medications are known as PDE5 inhibitors and work well for most men when used appropriately.
Clinicians will screen you for risk factors that may prevent usage of these medications. Follow up care should be used to monitor for side effects and effectiveness. Clinicians can provide prescription medications to treat ED safely via telehealth.
Vacuum devices may also be recommended if pills are not effective or cannot be used. Lifestyle modification, counseling, or referral to in person providers may also be suggested.
Clinicians can help address hormone deficiencies such as low testosterone with medications as well if clinically indicated. Lab work is typically required along with mental health and clinic visits for appropriate monitoring and follow up.
Benefits of ED Treatment Online
One of the biggest benefits to telehealth visits for erectile dysfunction care is privacy. Online visits allow you to skip the waiting room and receive care from your own private space.
Many patients are more open and active in their care when talking from home. Not having to leave your home for appointments is a convenience that many patients enjoy. For erectile dysfunction treatment you will be able to schedule your appointments quickly, finish follow up visits easily, and have medications sent to your pharmacy.
Telehealth also allows patients to start care earlier than they might if they had to see a doctor in person. By addressing erectile dysfunction early through telehealth patients are also able to have other conditions treated like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and low testosterone before they advance.
Sexual health should never be ignored, especially if it is causing stress. Online treatment allows patients to focus on total health and begin achieving their goals.
Is Telehealth ED Treatment Safe and Secure?
Like any online service that collects personal information, telehealth platforms should utilize encryption. This keeps your identity, personal information, and medical records secure while on the platform.
Verified passwords, secure messengers, and providing patients with control over who can view their records are other ways reputable services keep patient information safe. Remember to always use private networks, devices, and passwords when possible for best results.
Clinicians provide services based on their state licensing and prescribing guidelines. Some medications can only be prescribed after an in person visit but this will be clearly noted by your telehealth provider.
If you need to be seen in person for follow-up care, providers can help coordinate specialty care and explain your next steps before you leave the virtual office.
Do Online ED Medications Work?
Studies show that erectile dysfunction treatment through telehealth is just as effective at treating patients when in person visits are utilized. Patient satisfaction is also greatly increased with online care due to ease of access, continued communication, and many feel more comfortable discussing sexual health concerns.
As with all medical conditions, if you aren’t following up with your provider or taking medication as prescribed, you will not see results. Telehealth should be viewed as a partnership between you and your clinician that will adapt and change over time based on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can erectile dysfunction be treated online?
Many cases of erectile dysfunction can be treated online through telehealth. Some patients may require care in person.
Q2: Are ED medications safe if prescribed online?
Yes, ED medications can be safely prescribed online by licensed clinicians who understand your medical history and any medications you should not take.
Q3: Will I need blood tests or lab work if I get treatment online?
Lab work is not always necessary for erectile dysfunction care but may be recommended to check hormones, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Q4: Is erectile dysfunction treatment private online?
Yes, online platforms should utilize encryption to keep your personal and medical information private.
Q5: When should I receive care in person for ED?
Seek emergency care in person if you experience chest pain, sudden vision/hearing loss, painful erections that last for hours, or other signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Online ED treatment offers discreet care and supports treatment while addressing other medical conditions.