By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDSep 20 2022Reviewed by Danielle Ellis, B.Sc. New clinical guidelines from the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians could help manage erectile dysfunction better "amid saturation advertising of online men's health platforms.
Most cases in Australia are managed by general practitioners , to be referred to specialists only when the response is inadequate or further testing is required. This helps cut costs and stretch funds, underlining the important place of GPs in the treatment of almost all disorders at the primary care level. The current paper is the first on this condition from Australian medical professionals that have passed peer review.
Laboratory tests are usually ordered for blood sugar and lipid profiles. Other hormones may be tested as required, such as when suspected of hypogonadism. This could be raised by low libido, poor response to the oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor drug class, or a history of diabetes. The treatment would then be testosterone replacement.
If anginal pain is reported or tests show a high risk of CVD, follow-up investigations for heart disease may be requested, or the patient may be referred to a cardiologist. The CVD would then merit primary treatment, with ED treatment postponed until this time. This mode of treatment is obviously relatively unpopular due to its invasive nature, the need for repeated treatments, and the fear of complications. Priapism is an unwelcome complication and may cause permanent damage.