Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that can affect physical health and emotional well-being. Patients are sometimes unsure which type of doctor to see for help. A urologist is a specialist in urinary and male reproductive health who can diagnose and manage concerns such as erections, prostate conditions, and urinary problems. Seeing this type of doctor may be appropriate if ED has been ongoing, if first-line options have not worked, or if another health issue may be contributing. A consultation with a qualified health professional can help determine whether a referral is the most suitable option.
What Does a Urologist Do?
This type of specialist focuses on conditions that affect the urinary tract, kidneys, bladder, prostate, and male reproductive system. They are trained to check and manage concerns such as urinary difficulties, prostate conditions, fertility issues, and erectile problems. Because ED can sometimes be linked to other health conditions, the specialist can help find possible causes and explain the options available for care.
When Should Patients Seek Specialist Care for ED?
Patients may consider seeing a specialist if ED is persistent, if lifestyle changes or first-line treatments have not been successful, or if there are other symptoms such as urinary changes, pain, or prostate concerns. A referral may also be appropriate if ED appears alongside other health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, which can sometimes contribute to erection problems.
How Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Assessed?
During your consultation, your medical history may be reviewed, you may be asked questions about your symptoms, and some tests or checks might be carried out. These steps help identify whether ED is linked to physical, hormonal, nervous system, or mental health factors. The information gathered can then be used to give you clear advice on the management options that may be suitable for you.
What Options Can Be Discussed?
You may be given information on both surgical and non-surgical options. These could include oral medication, devices, or, in some cases, surgical procedures such as penile implants. Not all options will be suitable for everyone, so the aim of the consultation is to explain the choices clearly, outline possible risks and benefits, and support you in making an informed decision.
How Do Patients Decide if Surgery Is Appropriate?
Surgery, such as a penile implant, is usually considered when other options have not been effective or suitable. During your consultation, the possible benefits, risks, and long-term factors will be explained so you can make an informed choice. Taking time to review all available options and asking questions can help you decide whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.
Do You Need a Referral to See a Specialist?
In Australia, you generally need a referral from your general practitioner (GP) before seeing a specialist. Your GP will usually do an initial check, rule out some causes, and then provide a referral if further care is needed. Having a referral also allows you to claim Medicare rebates on consultations and tests.
Can Other Health Professionals Help With ED?
Yes. You can often start by seeing your GP for ED concerns. Your GP can give advice, arrange tests, and discuss common treatment options with you. Other health professionals, such as psychologists, may also be involved if stress, anxiety, or mental health are contributing factors. In some situations, care from more than one health professional may be helpful in managing ED.
What Should You Expect From a Consultation?
During your consultation at Katelaris Urology in Sydney and North Shore, Dr Phillip Katelaris will talk with you about your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms before suggesting any suitable tests or checks. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, raise any concerns, and take time to consider the information provided before deciding on next steps.
Why Choose Sydney Urologist Dr Katelaris for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Dr Phillip Katelaris is a urologist and urological surgeon who has trained in Australia and overseas, including postgraduate surgical training in Germany and robotic surgery training in the United States. He consults across Sydney and North Shore, with clinics in Hornsby, Castle Hill, and St Leonards, and performs procedures at Sydney Adventist Hospital (https://www.sah.org.au/). His broad background in men’s health allows him to provide care for a wide range of urological conditions, including ED.
For patients seeking care for ED, Dr Katelaris offers consultations that explore possible causes and outline management options. These may include non-surgical approaches, medical therapies, or, in some cases, surgical procedures such as penile implants. Each consultation is designed to give patients clear information about their choices, including potential risks, recovery, and long-term considerations.
Dr Katelaris continues to be involved in medical education, research, and teaching, which supports a careful and evidence-based approach to care. He keeps up to date with new developments in urology and applies this knowledge in his practice. This means patients receive clear advice that takes into account both their ED concerns and their overall urological health.
Further reading about erectile dysfunction with Dr Katelaris:
- Read the main KU erectile dysfunction (ED) page
- KU blog: What are the main reasons to visit a urologist?
- KU blog: How vitamins can help treat erectile dysfunction?
- KU blog: The psychology behind it all: A guide to erectile dysfunction
- KU blog: What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
- KU blog: Can smoking cigarettes cause impotence?
- KU blog: Turning nine erectile dysfunction myths into facts
- KU blog: What’s new and what’s next in the ED treatment?
Medical references about erectile dysfunction:
