Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Birmingham
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It is very common, affecting up to 50% of men over 40 to some degree, yet many men are reluctant to seek help. Effective treatments are available for most causes of ED. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, provides confidential, expert assessment and management of erectile dysfunction at private hospitals across Birmingham.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
ED is most commonly caused by vascular disease, which reduces blood flow to the penis. In many men, it is the first sign of cardiovascular disease and should prompt assessment of cardiovascular risk factors. Other causes include:
- Diabetes mellitus (common cause of both vascular and neurological ED)
- Hypertension and hyperlipidaemia
- Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism)
- Neurological disease (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease)
- Medications (antihypertensives, antidepressants, antiandrogens)
- Psychological factors (anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties)
- Post-surgical (after prostate surgery or radiotherapy)
Assessment
Mr Shahzad takes a thorough history including sexual history, medical history and medication review, along with examination and blood tests (including testosterone, glucose and lipid profile). He also screens for cardiovascular risk factors, as ED frequently co-exists with heart disease.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle modifications: Exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation and reducing alcohol can all improve ED.
- PDE5 inhibitors: Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil and avanafil are first-line treatments for most men with ED.
- Testosterone replacement therapy: For men with confirmed testosterone deficiency.
- Vacuum erection devices: A non-pharmacological option suitable for many men.
- Intracavernosal injection therapy: Self-injection of vasoactive agents (e.g., alprostadil) directly into the penis, highly effective for men who do not respond to oral medication.
- Penile implants: A surgical option for men with refractory ED. Mr Shahzad can discuss referral for prosthetic surgery.
Book an Erectile Dysfunction Consultation
All consultations are conducted in complete confidence. No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us.