Men's Intimate Health
Persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity.
Physician-led assessment · individualized care · Vancouver clinic
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Maybe it started as the odd night when things didn't work the way they used to, and then it became a pattern. That's worth paying attention to, and you're far from alone. Erectile dysfunction is the ongoing or recurring difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. An occasional off night is common and usually nothing to worry about. A persistent pattern deserves a proper look.
Here's why. The small arteries in the penis can show changes from blood-vessel disease years before the heart does, so new erectile dysfunction is useful early information about your overall health. It's also rarely just one thing. Blood flow, nerve signals, testosterone, medications, sleep and stress all interact, and the mix is different for every man. Finding your particular mix is what makes treatment work.
Related Presentations
These focused pages explain different patterns within this concern.
Causes and Contributing Factors
An erection depends on healthy blood vessels, nerves, hormones and psychological readiness, so problems in any of these systems can contribute. Vascular causes, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, are among the most common in older men. Neurological conditions, pelvic or prostate surgery, spinal injury, low testosterone and thyroid disorders may also be involved. Many medications can play a role, as can smoking, excess alcohol, obesity and physical inactivity. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties can cause or worsen the problem. In practice, more than one factor is often present.
Signs and Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction can present in different ways and may develop gradually or suddenly. Commonly reported features include:
Occasional difficulty is common and not necessarily a concern; a persistent pattern is more meaningful.
Assessment
Your appointment is private and unhurried, with Dr. Frame or Dr. Fisher. You'll talk about when things changed and how, your general and heart health, medications, mood, sleep and lifestyle. We usually check your blood pressure and do a focused physical exam, and we often arrange blood tests for glucose, cholesterol and hormones, including testosterone. Depending on what we find, a closer look at your heart and blood-vessel health may be worthwhile. Putting it all together shows what's driving your symptoms and shapes your plan.
Sexual-health consultations are confidential physician appointments with a consultation fee, confirmed when you book.
Treatment Options
These are some of the options connected to this concern. The appropriate plan depends on assessment, suitability, and your goals.
Erectile dysfunction usually has more than one cause, so care starts with finding and treating what's contributing. After your assessment, Dr. Frame or Dr. Fisher may talk with you about:
Every option is chosen with your safety in mind, particularly if you have heart disease, and results vary from man to man. Together we'll map out a private plan that fits your health, your relationship and the pace you're comfortable with.
Private men's sexual health care in Vancouver with Dr. Frame and Dr. Fisher, from erection and ejaculation concerns to penile enhancement. Testosterone care is provided by Dr. Frame.
Personalized hormonal health care in Vancouver with Dr. Gidon Frame, including assessment, treatment guidance, and ongoing monitoring for your symptoms and health goals.
For the fuller picture, explore the treatment pages above or discuss the options during a consultation.
Medical Assessment
New or persistent erectile difficulty is worth booking sooner, because it can be an early sign of heart or blood-vessel disease. Some situations need urgent hospital care instead of a clinic appointment: an erection that is painful or lasts several hours, or erectile difficulty that comes on with chest pain or breathlessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. The small blood vessels involved in erections may show changes from vascular disease before larger vessels do, so new erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease. That's one of the main reasons we check your heart health as part of your assessment.
Very often, yes. Treating the contributors, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, medications, sleep, mood or low testosterone, can make a real difference, and medical options can help alongside that. How much it improves depends on the cause, which is why an accurate assessment comes first.
Yes. Your appointment is private and with one of our physicians, Dr. Frame or Dr. Fisher. Many men find it easier to talk about than they expected, and everything you share stays within your medical record.
Physician Assessment
An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing, which options may be appropriate, and what a reasonable next step could look like for you.
Visit Our Clinic
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic combines medical assessment, individualized planning, physician oversight, and a broad range of treatment options in its Vancouver clinic.
Bring your questions, treatment history, and goals. Your provider can help you understand appropriate options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes.
Make an Appointment
Use our consultation form below and the clinic can guide you toward the appropriate starting point.
