If erectile dysfunction, or ED, has become a persistent problem in your life, it may be time to consult the expertise of a urologist who has the experience and training to give you real solutions. We created a guide to help you find the best erectile dysfunction specialist to meet your individual needs.
Ask Your Primary Care PhysicianAbout Recommendations for an ED Specialist
It’s OK to be open and honest with your primary care physician (PCP) about your erectile dysfunction symptoms. Your doctor may wish to investigate the physiological causes of your ED, like diabetes or heart issues. Finding the underlying cause of your ED may let you know if you need a referral to a urologist. If you do need a referral to a urologist, your PCP can provide a short list of specialists in your area you can consult.
Explore the Credentials of Your Possible ED Specialist
First, consult your doctor’s website. Read through your doctor’s biography section for information on their undergraduate and medical school education, residency training, and training in the specialty of urology. Note fellowship, or subspecialty training in men’s sexual health or reproductive health. This is an important credential for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
You may also take to the internet to research your potential doctor’s credentials. For urologists, look at the American Board of Urology website. Enter the doctor’s name, city, and state, and you’ll learn if your provider is board-certified, if they participate in life-long learning, and when their certification expires. You also can consult the American Board of Medical Specialties website under the “For Patients” section.
Find Out About Your ED Specialist’s Location, Insurance, and More
Accessibility factors into your choice of specialists, too. Your doctor’s office should be a reasonable driving distance from your home and workplace, or be reachable by public transportation. Do the doctor’s office hours align with your availability, and how easy is it to get an appointment? It’s also important to check with the office staff and your health insurance carrier to see if your doctor accepts your insurance and consider what out-of-pocket costs you may have.
Arrange an In-office Consultation with Your ED Specialist of Choice
Request an appointment with the doctor who tops your list of possible choices. Prior to this appointment, we encourage you to compile a list of symptoms and questions to ask the doctor regarding your potential treatments. Your specialist should be friendly but respectful as you discuss your concerns.
The right urologist will delve into both physical and emotional symptoms (such as anxiety or depression), your medical history, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and exercise habits. Your ED diagnosis and treatment should be based on an examination of your genitalia and the results of tests such as penile Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow.
Be sure you feel satisfied with how the doctor listens to you and with the overall clinic atmosphere. Are you greeted and shown to a treatment room promptly? Is the clinic orderly and clean? These factors tell you a lot about how you will be treated as a patient.
The Best Erectile Dysfunction Specialist Near Me
In the Phoenix, AZ, area, men with ED symptoms can consult with a world-class urologist, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. Dr. Avila is a board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon whose expertise focuses on men’s reproductive issues such as infertility, vasectomy reversal, and sexual function.
He’s known for his innovative approaches, along with a communication style that puts his patients at ease. Dr. Avila is fluent in both English and Spanish.
So, why not contact Ironwood Urology for an in–person consultation with Dr. Avila? He has two offices in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ, for your convenience. Call today to schedule an appointment at (480) 961-2323, or fill out our online appointment request form.
