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 FAQ
My erection is not as strong as before.If you are experiencing weak erections, it is usually an early sign of erectile dysfunction (ED). It may present as having problem maintaining an erection or obtaining an erection. If the problem persists for more than 3 months, you should see a doctor for a review as ED can be an early sign of some diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
 
How common is Erectile Dysfunction?Erectile dysfunction is a very common sexual problem affecting nearly half of men over 40 years old. Near 40% of men at 40 years old and increasing up to 70% of men in 70 years old have the problem. Men with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are more likely to develop ED.
Is the treatment a cure for erectile dysfunction?There are oral medications and therapy which can treat erectile dysfunction. Research showed that men with ED, despite getting an improvement in erection after taking oral medication, do not improve their psychological well being. They still feel lower confidence and self esteem. Therefore psychological counseling and support is important. Some men may choose to use injection therapy which in some cases can provide a potential “cure”. Approximately 30 - 40% of men who use it for up to one year can stop using it and get spontaneous erection (self-induced erection).
Is there one best treatment for erectile dysfunction?In many cases, there is no single answer to the best treatment for erectile dysfunction. Oral medication has transformed the management of ED dramatically. They are highly effective for many men; especially those have short term and mild problems. Oral medication is convenient and works in most men. However, oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra is only about 60-70% effective in men who have chronic disease or after prostate surgery. In these cases, the most effective treatment is still self-injection therapy. Most men start to seek for professional treatment after they have ED for a few years. The average is 3-4 years. During this time, they generally started to loss their confidence and interest in sex. Sometimes, they may have developed sexual avoidance behavior. Therefore, ED treatment should not focus on just obtaining erection. It is best combined with psychological counseling and sex therapy to improve their confidence, as well as retraining them on sexual intimacy.
How do impotence medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra work?Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are all part of a new class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. They all work in a similar way by preventing the breakdown of PDE5 (one of the chemicals in the blood vessel) which helps to dilate blood vessels and increases blood flow. During normal sexual response, increase in blood flow to the penis produces erection. These medications works indirectly on the blood vessels and hence, sexual stimulation is required for these medications to work. Because all three medications belong to the same class of medication, they have similar side effects; however, it is possible for a man to experience side effects with one of these drugs, and not with another. Most men don’t experience any side effects with normal dosage. After assessment, if doctor concludes that these medications are safe and suitable for you, the only way to find out the effect of these medications on you is to try them. Generally, you need to try the medication at least 3 or 4 times before determining whether or not it is the right treatment option for you. Side effects are usually mild, if any, and often subside after taking a few tablets.
What are the possible side effects?Side effects are uncommon, however, the most common side effects include:
Do you offer Viagra, Cialis or Levitra? Which one is best?At HK Sexual Health Centre, we stock all of these medications. Our doctors are very experienced and able to tell you after assessment if these medications are suitable and safe for you to take, and which brand might be most suitable for your individual need. All of these medications are slightly different therefore, there is no “one best” treatment option. All of these medications are effective in most men and the best choice for you depends on a variety of individual and lifestyle factors. After prescribed, you should try the medication several times on different occasions before concluding whether or not it is working well. If you do not get an improvement, you should consult with the doctor again. A number of factors can affect the effectiveness of the medication. You may have been using the medication in an incorrect way, or you may need to try another brand. Don’t give up! Not every patient is suitable for oral treatments, and some may need to try other forms of ED treatment for better result. Sometimes, your body and mind is just not tuned to sexual activities, especially if you have experienced problems for a few years. At HK Sexual Health Centre, patients go through a thorough medical examination and the doctor will help you determine which treatment option(s), medical and/or non-medical, is most suitable for you.
Can I buy the medications from a pharmacy myself?In many places in Hong Kong, you can buy these medications yourself without prescriptions. But these medications are prescription medications because they may produce potential side effects. You should be assessed by doctors before using these medications and being told how to take them correctly. Even, if you have doctor’s prescription, we still recommend you to buy it from a reputable pharmacy or directly from doctors as there are many counterfeits on the market.
When using medication, will I still have an erection after I ejaculate?With oral medication you will normally lose your erection after ejaculation. However some men may find it easier to get a second erection. With injection therapy some men maintain erection even after ejaculation.
I get headaches and/or have heart problems, can I still take Viagra?If you get regular headaches or have heart problems, Viagra or other similar drugs may still be taken. However, this needs to be verified by an experienced physician and determined on a case by case basis. However, if you have angina or are taking any kind of nitrite medication (sublingual tablets, spray, patches etc), it is not recommended you should take any of the three oral medications. If oral medications are not appropriate for you, there are several other effective options available.
Does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in patient with diabetes. It has been estimated that up to nearly 60% of long term diabetes patients may have erection problem. In some men, they may present with erectile dysfunction without knowing that they have diabetes. The vascular and neuralgic complications of diabetes are thought to be the main causes of ED in diabetic men and men with ED should always have their blood sugar checked.
Do you treat people with diabetes and ED?HK Sexual Health Centre had successfully helped many men who have ED due to diabetes. Conversely, we occasionally discover diabetes in men who visit our clinic for ED, but who do not know they have diabetes. Men with diabetes often have poorer response to oral medications but ED can still be managed in their cases.
Does smoking, drinking alcohol or drug use cause ED?Cigarette smoking increases the chance of ED by about 3 folds. Similarly alcohol consumption and drug use can cause erectile dysfunction. Therefore, lifestyle modification is a very important part of ED management.
Is erection problem a common side effect of medication?There are some prescription medications that can lead to erection problem. These include medications for treating high blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, psychiatric and prostate problems. Consult your doctor to see if the medications that you are taking is affecting your sexual function.
Can I be use more than one treatment at any given time?Some men with erection problem may be using more than one treatment option, such as combining oral medication with vacuum device. It is also possible for someone to go through injection therapy in conjunction with an oral medication as long as they are NOT used at the same time. It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions on the use of medications. Some men may go through a combined physical and psychological therapy program.
Will I be able to have normal sexual function after my prostate cancer surgery?Prostate surgery has the potential to affect your sexual function. However, you have the potential to return to normal sexual function after the surgery also. After the surgery, It may take some time before you return to normal sexual function. However, you should discuss the issue with you urologist or an experienced physician about your concerns. While some doctors may tell you just wait and see, other doctors experienced in sexual medicine might offer you options soon after surgery to help ‘prevent’ sexual problems from developing and/or to facilitate quicker return of normal sexual function. If you discover that you do have erectile dysfunction as a result of prostate surgery, there is treatment available to help you achieve strong erections again. Another thing to consider before you undergo prostate cancer surgery is the type of surgery you are offered (there are nerve sparing techniques available) and the experience of your surgeon. These factors can affect your erectile function post-surgery. At HK Sexual Health Centre, we can offer you solutions to improve your sexual function after prostate surgery. Early treatment can help you to return to normal function quicker.
I am only having erection difficulties some of the times but I can still get a full erection in the morning. Do I have a problem?If you are still getting an erection in the morning indicating that your problem may be more psychological. This may be due to excessive stress during your normal daily activities and over anxious during sex. When under stress, there is an excessive level of adrenaline in your blood which affects your ability to get or sustain an erection. Although, the problem is not necessarily physical, you should still consult a specialist in the field to determine the actual cause of the problem. There are various non-medical options that can help to overcome psychological ED.
Is it true that erectile dysfunction is often just “in the mind”?Majority of erectile dysfunction is caused by physical factors rather than psychological reasons. However, physical erectile dysfunction is often exacerbated by psychological and relational factors.
I’m 85 years old. Am I too old to take medication for erectile dysfunction?You are NOT too old to use one or all of the treatments available. Here at HK Sexual Health Centre, we had successfully helped patients in their 90s! If you can walk up one flight of stairs without getting short of breath, you are probably healthy enough for sexual activity. You are only as old as you feel! Your overall physical health should be examined and we can determine which option is best for you.
Is there a cure for premature ejaculation?Some treatment options for PE have the potential to ‘cure’ the condition, while other options may successfully improve but not necessarily resolve the problem. Using anesthetic cream and anti-depressant can improve the problem in short term. However, premature ejaculation can be cured in 90 - 95% of the time within approximately a six month period of using combined sex therapy exercises with/without self-injection.
I have low libidoLow libido can be caused by stress, tiredness, sexual boredom, relationship problems or low testosterone level. For some patients, hormone replacement therapy, in particularly testosterone, is needed to help improve low sex drive. It often takes a multi-dimensional approach to resolve the problem.
Should I see a doctor about erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation?You should see a doctor about erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation as soon as it begins to bother you or cause problems in your love life. You should find out the underlying cause of the problem and solve it before it turns more serious or affecting your self confidence and relationship. There are many ways to manage these problems and maybe even resolve these conditions. You should not allow yourselves and your partner to suffer unnecessarily and have the problem affecting your relationship.
What type of doctor should I see with my sexual problems?If you have a trusting family doctor, we always recommend that you should discuss these problems with him or her. However, we often hear men tell us that they are uncomfortable talking to their family doctor about their sexual health. Most family doctors are very busy and may not have an adequate amount of time during your appointment to properly address sexual issues. Urologists also treat these conditions plus many others. You can ask your doctor for a referral to a urologist, however to do so, you should speak to your family doctor about the problem and once referred, you may find long waiting times to get an appointment and similar time constrain during the appointment. Urologists, in general, are not trained to deal with psychological, social and relationship issues which are often critical in the overall management. When talking to a doctor about your most personal health concerns, you should not feel rushed. You should feel that your health care professional is taking the time to understand your problem, to explore physical, as well as psychosocial issues and also educating you about your sexual health. Here at HK Sexual Health Centre, our professionals have been specifically trained in the treatment of various sexual problems. They have the knowledge and experience to determine the best possible solution for your specific condition. Our professionals and supporting staff meet patients just like you everyday, and they understand the fear, embarrassment and frustration that you are experiencing. Since everyone in our office from doctors to nurses to receptionists are all accustomed to seeing patients everyday for sexual health concerns, you can feel more comfortable that our staff and health professionals will be much more sensitive to your concerns and treat you with dignity and respect. At HK Sexual Health Centre, your privacy and confidentiality is extremely important to us. We specially selected a private location with no distinguishable signage outside our centre to ensure privacy. You will be allocated specific time slot for appointment. For each case, we spend a considerable amount of time with you to understand you issues and to perform detailed assessment (usually about 1 hour on your first visit), so we can answer all you questions and address all your concerns. Although your family doctor may be able to prescribe a treatment for you, there is a difference between visiting your family doctor to discuss sexual problems and visiting a clinic which specializes in treating sexual health problems. HK Sexual Health Centre has a team of professionals to provide sex therapy, marriage and relationship counseling and psychotherapist. Our expertise covers physical, psychological and social aspects of sexual problem.
Are your doctors and therapists specialists?The health care professionals at the HK Sexual Health Centre are sexual health and family physicians, clinical psychologist, sex therapists, marriage counselors and family therapist who have extensive knowledge and special training in the area of sexual health. They have received their training in Australia, Canada, USA and locally in Hong Kong. All of them have at least a Master Degree and some have PhD or are completing their PhD. Our team of professionals is able to provide comprehensive range of management on erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and other sexual problems. They will not only focus exclusively on the sexual difficulties alone. Because they understand that sexual problems often have multiple causative factors, such as relationship and lifestyle factors. They also understand the anxiety that you are facing. Their in depth understanding of the problems enables them to offer both physical and psychological solutions to different individuals.
I’m interested in seeking treatment. What’s my next step?There are many options available for treating male sexual problems. You should always make the decision with proper professional help. Our doctors and therapists at HK Sexual Health Centre are well experienced and offer a wide range of management options and supportive services. We offer a complete individual assessment and a full clinical diagnosis made before treatment is recommended. If you need help, you may contact our centre directly on (852) 3162-0001, or you may asked your doctor for a referral. |
