Dr Michael Wong is a USA-fellowship trained senior urologist with an exceptional international standing, having received some of the highest recognitions across three continents.
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Restore Your Urological Health.
Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.
One-stop diagnosis and treatment centre of excellence for your urological, fertility or gynaecological problems
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, although it is more common in older men, typically between the ages of 40 and 70. This condition can significantly impact a man's self-esteem and quality of life. Fortunately, there are several erectile dysfunction treatment options available, including medication and surgery. Seeking medical advice from an experienced erectile dysfunction doctor is essential for personalised treatment plans.
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Wong, Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology),FICS (USA),FRCS (Edinburgh),M Med (Surgery),MBBS (S’pore)
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Occasional incidents of erectile dysfunction are normal, but if it is regularly interfering with regular sexual activity, then it becomes a cause for concern.
Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Aside from difficulty getting and sustaining an erection, erectile dysfunction may be accompanied by other problems such as reduced sexual desire, low testosterone levels, and premature or delayed ejaculation.
Erectile dysfunction also has emotional impacts, including:
Lack of intimacy
Low self-esteem
Difficulty getting your partner pregnant
Stress
Depression
Erectile dysfunction may be distressing, but treatments are available. Contact our clinic today to book a consultation with urologist Dr Michael Wong.
What Are the Risks Factors for Erectile Dysfunction?
Achieving an erection is a complex process that involves the stimulation of the brain, hormones, and the nervous and vascular systems. Anything that affects one of these processes may result in erectile dysfunction.
Some common risk factors for erectile dysfunction include:
Age
As men grow older, the risk of developing erectile dysfunction increases because of changes in blood flow, hormones, and general health, which can lead to difficulty maintaining erections.
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders may cause a lack of blood flow to the penis or nerve damage.
Lifestyle Choice
Individuals with poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and being overweight or obese may increase the chances of erectile dysfunction.
Medication
Ongoing medications like those prescribed for high blood pressure, chemotherapy drugs, or antidepressants may affect blood flow or nerve impulses for an erection to occur.
Psychological Factors
Mental conditions like anxiety and depression can cause or worsen symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Injury or Surgery
Traumas in the pelvic area may damage the nerves, blood vessels, or muscles involved in the erectile process, causing problems with erectile function.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?
A medical history review and physical exam are typically necessary for a urologist to diagnose erectile dysfunction. In some cases, further tests are recommended, such as:
Blood Tests
This test detects signs of diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalance, low testosterone, and other health issues.
Urinalysis
This procedure measures sugar, testosterone, and protein levels in the urine for possible signs of diabetes, hormonal imbalance, and kidney problems.
Ultrasound
This detects any anatomical or health issues that cause problems in the way blood flows in and out of the penis and the testes.
Psychosocial Assessment
This test helps diagnose mental conditions like anxiety and depression.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is usually a treatable condition that can be addressed with:
Oral or Locally Injected Medications
Oral medicines such as Viagra help increase blood flow to the penis to sustain an erection. In the case of locally injected medicines, they are injected into the shaft of the penis to relax the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa, causing it to become engorged with blood.
Vacuum Devices
Such devices work by encasing the penis in a tube and using a suction pump to gently draw blood into the corpora cavernosa, engorging and expanding the penis. An elastic ring is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Shockwave Therapy
In recent years, shockwave treatment of the penile shaft has been studied and could be considered as a form of treatment in the near future.
Surgery
Surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction, including penile implants and vascular surgery (to repair arteries with discrete blockages), are effective but are usually considered last-resort options.
Our urologist offers personalised care in a safe and comfortable environment to treat erectile dysfunction. For more information, please reach out to us.
Viagra (sildenafil) does not cure erectile dysfunction permanently. However, this PDE5 inhibitor temporarily relieves symptoms by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing a man to achieve an erection when sexually stimulated.
Can I still feel arousal with erectile dysfunction?
Individuals with erectile dysfunction can still feel arousal and achieve an orgasm with proper sexual stimulation, although it might not occur as often as before. You may consult a doctor to pinpoint the cause of ED (whether physical or psychological factors) and provide a suitable course of treatment.
How long does an average man stay erect?
The average duration of an erection during sexual intercourse can range from 5 to 30 minutes. However, this can vary from person to person due to several factors such as age, overall health, individual physiology and level of arousal.
Let us help you Restore your urological health.
Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.
Office Location
3 Mount Elizabeth Road, #10-09, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
