A urologist for ED is a board-certified physician specializing in erectile dysfunction. They diagnose and treat its root causes—physical, hormonal, or related to underlying health issues—by creating personalized treatment plans that may include medications, devices, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Quick Guide: When and Why to See a Urologist for ED
Erectile dysfunction affects approximately 50% of men by age 50, but it's not just a part of aging. ED often signals a deeper issue, serving as an early warning sign for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The good news is that ED is highly treatable with the help of the right specialist.
Since over 80% of ED cases have a physical cause, seeing a urologist is critical. Unlike general practitioners or online services, a urologist has specialized training to determine if your ED stems from blood flow problems, nerve damage, hormonal imbalances, or medication side effects. They take a whole-body approach, assessing your overall health rather than just writing a prescription. This comprehensive method leads to better, more sustainable results.
I'm Dr. Ryan Tubre, a board-certified urologist at Rose City Urology in Tyler, Texas. As a urologist for ED, I've helped countless men regain their confidence and sexual health by combining advanced diagnostics with a patient-centered approach to address both the physical and emotional aspects of this common condition.
This guide will explain what to expect when seeing a urologist for ED, the diagnostic process, available treatments, and why expert care delivers superior outcomes.
If you're dealing with erectile dysfunction, you might wonder if a specialist is necessary. The truth is, seeing a urologist for ED is about protecting your overall health, not just fixing one problem.
ED rarely exists in isolation. It's often an early warning system. When blood vessels in the penis aren't working correctly, there's a good chance the vessels near your heart aren't either. Conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes often manifest as ED before other symptoms appear.
A urologist specializes in the male reproductive system and understands its connection to your overall health. We don't just hand out prescriptions; we take a whole-body approach to find the true cause of your ED, whether it's cardiovascular, hormonal, neurological, or psychological. By addressing ED with a specialist, you're not only improving your sexual health but also potentially catching serious conditions early.
Talking about sexual health can be intimidating, but at Rose City Urology in Tyler, Texas, we provide a comfortable, confidential space. Our only goal is to help you.
Your first appointment is about understanding your unique situation.
To get a clearer picture, we often recommend specific tests to find the right solution the first time.
As noted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, if a urologist finds an underlying health condition, they will recommend managing it alongside your ED symptoms. This integrated approach treats the whole person for real, lasting results.
Every man's situation is unique, and we have more ED treatment options available today than ever before. After identifying the cause of your erectile dysfunction, we create a personalized, step-by-step treatment plan at Rose City Urology. We typically start with the least invasive options and progress as needed, based on what works for your body and lifestyle.
Our goal is to restore erectile function, help you regain confidence, and address any underlying health conditions.
Before discussing medical treatments, lifestyle changes can be surprisingly powerful. What's good for your heart is good for your sex life, as erections depend on healthy blood flow.
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, we have an array of clinically proven medical treatments. As your urologist for ED, I'll explain each option to help you choose what fits your life.
| Treatment Option | Onset | Spontaneity | Invasiveness | Success Rate (General) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Medications | 30-60 minutes | Moderate | Low | 70% |
| Injectable Medications | 5-20 minutes | High | Moderate | 85% |
| Vacuum Erection Devices | 5-10 minutes | Moderate | Low | 75% |
| Penile Implants | Immediate | Very High | High | >95% (Satisfaction) |
Oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are a common first-line treatment. These PDE5 inhibitors increase blood flow to the penis and are effective for about 70% of men. We always review your medical history first, as these drugs can interact dangerously with nitrate medications for heart conditions.
Injectable medications (Intracavernosal Injection Therapy or ICI) are a highly effective alternative when oral meds fail. Using medications like Alprostadil, they produce an erection within 5-20 minutes with an 85% success rate. We provide thorough training to ensure you can use them safely and confidently.
Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) are a non-invasive, medication-free option. A cylinder and pump draw blood into the penis, and a constriction ring maintains the erection. About 75% of men can achieve a functional erection with a VED.
For more details, visit our page on erectile dysfunction treatments. You can also review evidence-based guidelines from the American Urological Association.
For men who don't respond to other treatments or who seek a permanent, spontaneous solution, advanced options offer outstanding results.
Penile implants are the most definitive treatment for ED. This surgery places a device inside the penis, allowing for a natural-feeling erection on demand. While it is a surgical procedure, it has an exceptionally high satisfaction rate: over 95% of men and their partners are satisfied. It's an excellent option for restoring spontaneity without pills or injections.
If low testosterone is a factor, we can discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For some men, this improves both libido and erectile function. Learn more about our approach to men's hormone replacement therapy.
The bottom line is that ED is highly treatable. We have options for nearly every situation and will work with you to find the best approach.
The temptation of online ads promising quick ED solutions is understandable. They seem private and convenient. However, when it comes to a complex issue like erectile dysfunction, convenience should not replace quality care. ED is often a sign of a more significant health issue, which is why seeing a urologist for ED in person is about getting a complete picture of your health.
When you meet with a specialized urologist for ED at Rose City Urology, you receive a comprehensive health evaluation that online services cannot offer. The blood vessels in the penis are small and often show signs of damage before larger vessels, making ED a potential predictor of heart attacks or strokes, especially in younger men.
A thorough physical exam and diagnostic testing can catch serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes that an online questionnaire would miss. This comprehensive diagnosis is the foundation of safe, effective treatment.
Furthermore, personalized follow-up care is crucial. We monitor your progress, adjust treatments, and manage side effects. This ongoing relationship is vital for long-term success and safety. For example, in the rare event of priapism (a painful erection lasting over four hours), you have a direct line to expert care. This is a safety net that anonymous online services don't provide.
Unsupervised online services and "natural" remedies carry significant, often hidden, risks.
The primary issue with online services is the lack of a physical exam. They rely on self-reported questionnaires, missing critical information that a hands-on evaluation provides. They might prescribe pills without ever finding an underlying heart condition.
Unverified supplements are also dangerous. The FDA has found many of these products contain hidden, unregulated doses of pharmaceutical drugs. These can interact dangerously with other medications you're taking. You can read more in this FDA warning on hidden risks in online treatments.
Finally, beware of subscription traps that lock you into expensive, one-size-fits-all solutions without a proper medical evaluation. Your health is too important to risk. At Rose City Urology, we provide the comprehensive, personalized, and medically sound care you deserve.
We know you have questions about ED. Here are some of the most common concerns we address at Rose City Urology.
Whether ED can be "permanently cured" depends on its cause.
If your ED is caused by lifestyle factors (poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking), making lasting changes can often reverse the problem. Improving your cardiovascular health directly improves your sexual health.
When ED stems from underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, managing those conditions can dramatically improve erectile function.
For men with severe ED, penile implants offer a permanent solution. While they don't restore the body's natural mechanism, they provide a reliable, on-demand way to achieve an erection, with satisfaction rates over 95%. As your urologist for ED, my goal is to find the approach that restores your quality of life for the long term.
It's completely normal for the first treatment to need adjustments. This is where having a urologist for ED is essential. If oral medications aren't effective, we don't give up. We investigate further—perhaps the dose needs adjusting, or an underlying issue has progressed.
Sometimes, combining treatments is more effective. We have many options and can tailor your plan as we learn what works for your body. If oral medications fail, injectable medications (85% success rate) or vacuum devices are excellent next steps. If those aren't right for you, we can discuss permanent solutions like penile implants.
The key is follow-up appointments. These visits allow us to monitor your progress, address side effects, and adjust your plan. Your honest feedback is crucial to finding the right solution.
ED affects you emotionally, impacting your self-esteem and relationships. At Rose City Urology, addressing these aspects is central to our care.
First, we create a judgment-free space for you to discuss your feelings. Frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment are normal reactions to this medical condition.
ED can also strain relationships. We encourage open conversation with your partner and can involve them in appointments to foster support and understanding.
If stress, anxiety, or depression are significant factors, we may recommend working with a mental health professional specializing in sexual health. They can provide coping strategies and help improve communication.
My commitment is to provide a supportive and confidential environment. Empowering you with knowledge and effective solutions often brings tremendous relief. You can learn more about my patient-centered approach here: More info about Dr. Ryan Tubre's approach. We're here to help you with all of it.
Erectile dysfunction is not something you have to live with, nor is it a personal failing. It is a treatable medical condition that often signals important information about your overall health.
The vast majority of men who seek help from a qualified urologist for ED find a solution that restores their confidence and quality of life. At Rose City Urology in Tyler, Texas, we are dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. We take the time to understand your unique situation and create a custom treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of ED.
Working with a specialized urologist allows for the identification of underlying health conditions, a custom treatment plan, and ongoing support to ensure the best outcomes. Don't risk your health with unverified online solutions.
Taking control of your health starts with a conversation. It starts with reaching out to a specialist who understands what you're going through and has the expertise to help.
Schedule your consultation today and let's work together to find the right solution for you. Your health matters, and you deserve expert care that treats you as a whole person.
