Many men who develop erectile dysfunction are not sure where to turn first. Some arrange an appointment with their GP. Others spend hours searching online. Quite a few wonder whether they really need to see a specialist at all, or whether ED is just something to push through.
An erectile dysfunction specialist is most commonly a urologist: a surgeon specifically trained in the urinary system and the male reproductive tract. Dr Katelaris is a Sydney-based erectile dysfunction specialist with more than 35 years of clinical experience, consulting with men across the North Shore and greater Sydney region for urological and sexual health concerns of all kinds.
What Is an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist?
The phrase “erectile dysfunction specialist” does not refer to a single fixed medical title. In practice, most doctors who focus extensively on ED are urologists. Some are andrologists, which is a subspecialty within urology concerned more specifically with male reproductive and sexual health. Certain cases, particularly those involving a hormonal component such as low testosterone or thyroid abnormalities, may also involve an endocrinologist working alongside the urologist.
A GP plays an important role in the process. Your GP can complete an initial assessment, arrange basic blood tests, and prescribe first-line oral medications. There are real limits, though, to what a GP-led approach can achieve when ED is persistent or complex. A specialist has access to a broader diagnostic toolkit and can offer every treatment in the spectrum, including procedures that fall outside what a GP can provide.
In most cases here in Australia you will need a GP referral to see a specialist and to get Medicare rebates on the visit and any tests that go with it. That said, you do not need a referral just to ask a few questions, so feel free to ring a specialist’s rooms before you book anything.
What Training Does a Urologist Have?
Qualifying as a urologist in Australia takes many years and several distinct training stages. After completing a medical degree, a doctor works through a general surgical residency before being accepted into a specialist urology training programme. That programme typically spans five or more years and includes closely supervised experience across the full range of urological procedures.
If a urologist has Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) after their name, it means they have finished the top training pathway that both Australia and New Zealand recognise. Getting there involves passing written and clinical exams, and FRACS holders are expected to keep their skills current long after they qualify.
Not every urologist has the same depth of experience in erectile function specifically. Some build this focus through additional training and by managing a high volume of men with ED across many years of practice. When selecting an erectile dysfunction specialist, it is worth asking about their experience with this condition and whether they offer advanced treatment options such as penile prosthetic surgery.
Dr Katelaris holds FRACS and is a member of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ). He has been recognised with the Noel Newton Medal from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Keith Kirkland Prize from the Australian and New Zealand Urological Society, both awarded in recognition of sustained clinical excellence in the field.
What Does an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist Actually Do?
A specialist consultation for ED is considerably more thorough than a brief symptom check. It is structured to identify the underlying cause of the problem rather than simply treat the surface presentation.
Things usually start with a thorough history. Expect questions about your overall health, the medications you take, your heart and diabetes status, urinary and sexual history, plus lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking, and how active you are. The specialist will also ask about stress, anxiety, and any relationship strain, since those matter just as much as the physical side. All of this builds the full picture they need before ordering any tests.
A physical examination follows, with clinical attention to the areas that can shed light on possible causes.
Blood tests are typically organised as part of the workup. These commonly assess testosterone levels, fasting glucose (to check for diabetes), lipid levels, PSA, and other relevant markers depending on the clinical picture. In certain cases, more specialised testing may be appropriate. Nocturnal penile tumescence assessment measures natural erections during sleep and can help distinguish between physical and psychological causes. Penile Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow within the penile vessels and may be considered where a vascular cause is suspected.
With this information, the specialist can identify whether the ED has a vascular, neurological, hormonal, psychogenic, or medication-related basis, bearing in mind that many men have more than one contributing factor. A personalised treatment plan is developed from there and adjusted at follow-up appointments as treatment progresses.
When Should You See an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist?
A GP is a sensible starting point, but a referral to an erectile dysfunction specialist is worth pursuing in a number of circumstances:
- ED has persisted for more than three months without improvement
- Oral medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) have not produced a satisfactory result, or are unsuitable due to other health conditions or medications
- ED developed after prostate surgery, pelvic surgery, or radiation therapy
- Symptoms appear alongside urinary changes, blood in the urine, reduced libido, or unexplained fatigue
- Underlying conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension are present
- You want a clear diagnostic explanation, not just a prescription repeat
- There is a psychological dimension you feel would benefit from coordinated specialist care
When things get complicated, a specialist often works with other doctors too. If your ED ties closely to heart risk, a cardiologist might come in alongside the urologist, and if a hormonal cause looks likely, an endocrinologist can take a look at the same time. Counselling can be added to support the medical side of things, never to take its place.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Consultations for ED are professional, confidential, and conducted without judgement. Knowing what the appointment involves tends to reduce the anxiety of the first visit considerably.
Bring your GP referral letter, a list of your current medications, and any previous test results you have. The specialist will work through your symptom history methodically. Questions are likely to cover how long the problem has been present, whether morning erections still occur, whether difficulty is situation-specific or consistent, and relevant factors in your day-to-day life and relationships.
Nothing needs to be decided on the day. The first appointment is about building a clear clinical picture. Any tests arranged at the visit are reviewed at a follow-up consultation, and a treatment pathway discussion takes place once results are available. No treatment commitment is expected or required at the first visit.
Dr Katelaris sees patients at three clinic locations: Katelaris Urology Hornsby (Level 1, 51 Palmerton Road, Hornsby NSW 2077), Katelaris Urology Castle Hill (60 Cecil Avenue, Castle Hill NSW 2154), and Katelaris Urology St Leonards (Level 3, Suite 11, North Shore Private Hospital, Westbourne St, St Leonards NSW 2065).
What Treatment Options Can an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist Offer?
One practical advantage of seeing a urologist for ED is access to the complete treatment spectrum. A specialist can offer or coordinate care across every available option, from conservative measures through to surgical intervention, matched to the individual’s diagnosis and goals.
Lifestyle modification and cardiovascular risk management. Adjusting weight, physical activity levels, smoking, and alcohol intake can meaningfully improve erectile function in men where lifestyle factors are contributing. This is often the first recommendation, sometimes alongside medical treatment.
Oral PDE5 inhibitors. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil are well-established first-line medications. A specialist can identify whether they are appropriate for you, manage contraindications, and optimise dosing.
Penile injection therapy. Intracavernosal injections deliver medication directly into the penile tissue and are a second-line option for men who do not respond adequately to oral therapy or who cannot take it.
Vacuum erection devices. A mechanical option using negative pressure to draw blood into the penis, sometimes used in combination with other approaches.
Low-intensity shockwave therapy. A non-surgical treatment that uses targeted sound waves to stimulate blood vessel regeneration in the penis. It may be appropriate for men with vasculogenic ED. Read more about shockwave therapy for ED.
Penile prosthetic implant surgery. A surgical implant considered for men with refractory ED where other treatment approaches have not achieved a satisfactory outcome. This is a carefully planned procedure, discussed in depth before any decision is made. Read more about penile prosthetic surgery.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. These will be discussed with you in detail by Dr Katelaris before any decision is made.
Why Choose Dr Katelaris for ED Treatments in Sydney and North Shore
Dr Phillip Katelaris is a highly experienced erectile dysfunction specialist and urological surgeon based in Sydney, with more than 35 years of specialist clinical experience. He holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and is a member of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ). He has been recognised with the Noel Newton Medal from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Keith Kirkland Prize from the Australian and New Zealand Urological Society, both acknowledging sustained excellence in the urological field.
Across his three clinics in Sydney and the North Shore, Dr Katelaris treats the full range of erectile dysfunction. He starts every case with a careful diagnostic workup rather than handing out the same prescription to everyone, then shapes a plan around what that particular patient actually needs. When a case is more complicated, he handles it accordingly and brings in other specialists if the situation calls for it.
Want to check his registration and credentials yourself? You can look him up on any of these profiles:
HealthDirect: Dr Phillip Mark Katelaris, Urologist
Doctify: Dr Phillip Katelaris
Medilaw: Dr Phillip Katelaris
LinkedIn: Phillip Katelaris
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an erectile dysfunction specialist?
An erectile dysfunction specialist is a doctor with specific training in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of ED. In Australia, most erectile dysfunction specialists are urologists or andrologists. Some cases with a hormonal basis may also involve an endocrinologist. A urologist can offer the full range of treatment options, from oral medications through to surgical solutions such as penile prosthetic implants.
Do I need a GP referral to see an erectile dysfunction specialist in Australia?
Yes. A GP referral is generally required to see a specialist and to claim Medicare rebates on the consultation and any associated tests. Your GP can complete an initial assessment and refer you if ED has persisted or if first-line treatment has not been effective. Patients can contact a specialist’s rooms to ask questions before obtaining a referral.
When should I see an erectile dysfunction specialist rather than my GP?
Consider seeing a specialist if ED has persisted for more than three months, if oral medications have not helped or are not suitable, if ED developed after prostate or pelvic surgery, or if you have an underlying condition such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. A specialist can identify the root cause and offer the complete range of treatment options, including those not available through a GP.
What happens at a first appointment with an erectile dysfunction specialist?
Your specialist will take a thorough history covering your medical background, medications, and current symptoms. A physical examination may be carried out, and blood tests are often arranged to assess testosterone, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other relevant markers. The consultation is fully confidential, and no treatment commitment is required or expected at the first visit.
Can an erectile dysfunction specialist treat ED caused by prostate surgery?
Yes. A urologist experienced in ED is well positioned to manage post-surgical erectile dysfunction, including that which follows radical prostatectomy. Treatment options may include oral medications for penile rehabilitation, penile injection therapy, or penile prosthetic implant surgery, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Further Reading
- Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments – Katelaris Urology
- Penile Prosthetic Surgery – Katelaris Urology
- What is Linear Shockwave Therapy for ED? – Katelaris Urology
- What Are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction and What Treatment Options Do I Have? – Katelaris Urology
Medical References
- Erectile Dysfunction – HealthDirect Australia
- Register of Practitioners – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Erectile Dysfunction – Cleveland Clinic
- Guidelines on Male Sexual Dysfunction – European Association of Urology (EAU)
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
