Which Doctor Should I See for Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, but choosing the right doctor can be confusing. For most men, a GP is a good first step. If ED is persistent, complex, or has not improved with standard treatment, a urologist with an interest in andrology or sexual medicine may be the most appropriate specialist.
Start with your GP for most new cases
A GP can assess many common causes of ED, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, medication effects, smoking, weight, stress and low testosterone.
Guidelines recommend a medical and sexual history, focused examination and appropriate blood tests, including glucose or HbA1c, lipids and an early-morning testosterone level when indicated.[1,2]
This matters because ED can sometimes be an early marker of cardiovascular disease. New or worsening ED should therefore prompt assessment of cardiovascular risk rather than being treated only as a sexual problem.[1,3,4]
A GP can also discuss first-line treatment where appropriate and review whether any current medicines may be contributing.
When should I see a urologist or andrologist?
A urologist treats conditions affecting the urinary and male reproductive systems. Andrology is the area of medicine focused on male sexual and reproductive health.
Specialist assessment is particularly useful when:
ED persists despite correctly used oral treatment
tablets cause side effects or cannot be used safely
you have ED after prostate or pelvic surgery, radiotherapy or major pelvic injury
diabetes, neurological disease or spinal cord injury may be contributing
you also have penile curvature, shortening or possible Peyronie’s disease
you are considering injections, a vacuum erection device or penile implant surgery
the diagnosis is uncertain or the problem is significantly affecting quality of life.[1,2]
Learn more about erectile dysfunction assessment and treatment or penile implant surgery.
Do I need to see a cardiologist?
Not everyone with ED needs a cardiologist. However, ED shares risk factors with cardiovascular disease, and in some men it may appear before cardiovascular symptoms.[3,4]
Your GP or specialist may recommend further cardiovascular assessment if you have chest pain, reduced exercise tolerance, known heart disease, multiple cardiovascular risk factors or an uncertain cardiac risk profile.
If you develop chest pain or severe shortness of breath during sexual activity or exercise, seek urgent medical assessment.
What about an endocrinologist?
Most initial hormone testing can be organised by a GP or urologist. An endocrinologist may be helpful when there is confirmed or suspected pituitary disease, complex testosterone deficiency or another endocrine disorder requiring specialised management.[1,2]
Can a psychologist or sex therapist help?
Yes. ED may be physical, psychological or—very commonly—a mixture of both. Performance anxiety, stress, depression and relationship difficulties can contribute even when there is also a physical cause.
Guidelines support psychological or cognitive-behavioural approaches where these factors are important, often alongside medical treatment.[1]
So, which doctor should I book with?
For new erectile dysfunction, particularly if you have not yet had a general health assessment, starting with your GP is reasonable.
Consider seeing a urologist/andrologist if the problem is persistent, treatment has not worked, you have penile curvature or previous pelvic treatment, or you want to discuss the full range of ED treatment options.
Dr Jack Crozier is a Brisbane urologist and fellowship-trained andrologist who assesses erectile dysfunction and related penile conditions. Consultations are available for patients in Brisbane and Queensland, as well as selected interstate and international patients. Where clinically appropriate, initial planning may sometimes begin remotely before travel.
Request an appointment or review the international patient pathway.
References
European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Arnhem, The Netherlands: EAU Guidelines Office; 2026.
Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004.
Köhler TS, Kloner RA, Rosen RC, et al. The Princeton IV Consensus Recommendations for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease. Mayo Clin Proc. 2024;99(9):1500-1517. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2024.06.002.
Banks E, Joshy G, Abhayaratna WP, et al. Erectile dysfunction severity as a risk marker for cardiovascular disease hospitalisation and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study. PLoS Med. 2013;10(1):e1001372. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001372.
Medical disclaimer
This article provides general educational information only and does not replace personalised medical advice, examination or diagnosis. Treatment suitability, potential benefits and risks vary between individuals. Seek urgent medical care for severe or sudden symptoms, chest pain during sexual activity, major penile injury, or an erection lasting four hours or longer.
