Discrete Online Consultation for Erectile Dysfunction
Consult confidentially with an Australian doctor online for professional evaluation, personalized treatment plans, eScripts, or pathology health checks.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable medical condition affecting men of all ages across Australia.
Potential Causes
- Physical: Cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
- Lifestyle: High stress, fatigue, smoking, excessive alcohol, or lack of exercise.
- Psychological: Performance anxiety, low mood, or relationship stresses.
When to Consult a GP
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for intercourse.
- Reduced sexual desire or confidence concerns.
- Intermittent difficulties lasting several weeks or months.
- To rule out underlying cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors.
Treatment Options
- Oral Medications: Prescription PDE5 inhibitors (when clinically suitable).
- Pathology Investigations: Blood tests for hormone, lipid, or glucose screening.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Targeted advice on exercise, diet, and risk reduction.
- Confidential ongoing care and dosage review.
Important Safety Information
Certain medical conditions and medications can interact dangerously with ED treatments. Always inform your doctor if you have:
Why Choose Telehealth for Men's Health?
100% Private & Discrete
Discuss sensitive men's health concerns from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Instant eScripts
Suitable prescriptions are sent directly to your mobile phone via SMS eScript tokens for collection at any local pharmacy.
Pathology Referrals
If blood pressure, hormone levels, or cholesterol checks are required, referrals are sent directly to your email.
4 Simple Steps to Get Started
Get evaluated by an Australian-registered General Practitioner online.
Book Consultation
Select your consultation or online request option.
Complete Assessment
Provide medical history, current health, and treatment history confidentially.
Doctor Review
An Australian GP evaluates your information to ensure treatment is safe and suitable.
Receive Care & eScript
If appropriate, receive your eScript SMS token or pathology referral directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can have several possible causes. Sometimes there is one main cause, while in other cases several factors contribute.
Possible causes include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Being overweight or physically inactive
- Hormonal problems, including low testosterone
- Neurological conditions
- Previous pelvic surgery or injury
- Some prescription medicines
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Recreational drug use
- Stress or anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship difficulties
- Performance anxiety
Erectile dysfunction can have both physical and psychological causes, and the two can occur together.
Is Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of Another Health Problem?
Sometimes.
The blood vessels and nerves involved in erections can be affected by conditions that also affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, erectile dysfunction can provide an opportunity to identify previously unrecognised health problems.
Healthdirect Australia notes that erectile dysfunction can sometimes be the first sign of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Your GP may therefore discuss your:
- Blood pressure
- Weight and lifestyle
- Smoking and alcohol intake
- Diabetes risk
- Cholesterol
- Cardiovascular health
- Medications
- Hormonal health
- Mental health and stress
If appropriate, your GP may recommend blood tests or an in-person examination.
Can a Telehealth GP Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction?
In many cases, the initial assessment can be performed through telehealth.
Your GP may ask questions about:
- When the problem started
- Whether it happens every time or only occasionally
- Whether you can achieve an erection but have difficulty maintaining it
- Whether you experience morning or spontaneous erections
- Your level of sexual desire
- Ejaculation and orgasm
- Any penile pain or curvature
- Your relationship and psychological health
- Current medications
- Alcohol, smoking and recreational drug use
- Other medical conditions
Healthdirect recommends discussing persistent erection problems with a doctor. Diagnosis is based on your sexual and general health history and, where appropriate, physical examination and investigations.
If a physical examination is necessary, your NewTeleDoc Medical GP can advise you to attend an appropriate in-person service.
Erectile Dysfunction and Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can sometimes contribute to sexual problems, including reduced libido and erectile difficulties.
However, not every man with erectile dysfunction has low testosterone.
If your symptoms suggest a hormonal problem, your GP may recommend a blood test, commonly including a morning testosterone measurement. Other tests may also be appropriate depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause rather than automatically using testosterone therapy.
Medicines for Erectile Dysfunction
Prescription medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Medicines available in Australia include:
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
- Avanafil
These medicines work by increasing blood flow to the penis. They do not automatically cause an erection; sexual stimulation is still required.
Your GP will determine whether a PDE5 inhibitor is appropriate and which medicine and dose may be suitable for you.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is commonly known by the brand name Viagra, although other brands and generic versions are available.
It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis and increasing blood flow, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.
Sildenafil is a prescription medicine and is not appropriate for everyone.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is another PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction.
It works by increasing blood flow to the penis and can make it easier to achieve an erection when there is sexual stimulation.
Your GP can discuss the different treatment options and determine which approach is most appropriate for you.
Important: Erectile Dysfunction Medicines Are Not Safe for Everyone
PDE5 inhibitors can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions.
Do not take PDE5 inhibitors with nitrate medicines used for conditions such as angina, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Before prescribing an erectile dysfunction medicine, your GP should know about all medicines and supplements you are taking, including:
- Heart medicines
- Blood pressure medicines
- Nitrate medicines
- Other prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Supplements or sexual-performance products
Your doctor will also consider whether sexual activity itself is safe based on your cardiovascular health.
What Are the Side Effects of ED Medicines?
PDE5 inhibitors can cause side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion or reflux
- Dizziness
Rare but serious problems can include prolonged painful erections, sudden hearing loss, significant vision changes or severe allergic reactions.
If you develop a painful erection that does not go away, particularly one lasting several hours, seek urgent medical attention.
Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Erectile Function
Lifestyle and general health can have an important role in erectile function.
Your GP may recommend:
- Regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Stopping smoking
- Limiting excessive alcohol consumption
- Managing stress
- Getting adequate sleep
- Managing diabetes and blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol
- Avoiding recreational drugs
Improving cardiovascular health can also benefit sexual health because erectile function is closely linked to blood vessel health.
What If ED Medication Does Not Work?
PDE5 inhibitors are effective for many men, but they do not work for everyone.
If treatment is unsuccessful, your GP can review:
- Whether the diagnosis is correct
- How and when the medication is being taken
- The dose
- Other medications you are using
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Hormonal factors
- Psychological factors
- Other possible medical causes
Your doctor may recommend a different treatment or refer you to a urologist or another appropriate specialist.
Other treatment options can include vacuum erection devices, injectable treatments and specialist therapies.
When Should You See a GP About Erectile Dysfunction?
Consider speaking with a GP if:
- You regularly have difficulty getting an erection
- You have difficulty maintaining an erection
- The problem is affecting your relationship
- Erectile difficulties are affecting your confidence
- Your sex drive has changed
- You have other symptoms such as urinary problems
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- You smoke
- You have cardiovascular risk factors
- You are taking medicines that may affect sexual function
- The problem started suddenly or has significantly changed
You do not need to feel embarrassed about discussing erectile dysfunction. It is a common medical problem and there are effective treatment options for many men.
How NewTeleDoc Medical Can Help
A NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth GP consultation provides a private and convenient way to discuss erectile dysfunction from home.
During your consultation, your GP can:
- Discuss your erectile difficulties confidentially
- Assess possible physical and psychological causes
- Review your medications and medical history
- Assess cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors
- Consider whether blood tests are appropriate
- Discuss prescription treatment when clinically appropriate
- Explain the benefits and risks of ED medicines
- Discuss lifestyle changes
- Recommend further investigation when necessary
- Arrange an appropriate specialist referral when required
- Recommend an in-person examination if necessary
Your GP will determine whether treatment can safely be provided through telehealth or whether you need face-to-face assessment.
Avoid Buying Erectile Dysfunction Medicines From Unreliable Websites
It can be tempting to purchase erectile dysfunction medicines online without speaking to a doctor.
However, prescription ED medicines should be obtained through appropriate medical channels. Healthdirect specifically warns against buying tadalafil without a prescription because counterfeit medicines can be dangerous.
A proper medical assessment also helps identify whether erectile dysfunction may be related to an underlying health problem and whether a particular medicine is safe for you.
Book a Private Telehealth GP Consultation With NewTeleDoc Medical $25 for single script
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, you do not need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about seeking help.
NewTeleDoc Medical provides convenient telehealth GP consultations from the comfort and privacy of your home.
A GP can discuss your symptoms confidentially, assess possible causes and determine the most appropriate next step.
Book a NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth consultation today to discuss erectile dysfunction with a GP.