Online erectile dysfunction treatment

An isolated episode can occur because of tiredness, stress or other temporary circumstances and does not necessarily mean there is an underlying medical problem.

When the difficulties occur frequently or continue to affect your sex life, it is advisable to seek a medical assessment. The problem may be related to physical or psychological factors, or a combination of both.

In some patients, it may also be one of the first signs of cardiovascular disease, hormonal disorders, diabetes or other conditions that require diagnosis and follow-up. For this reason, it should not simply be considered a consequence of ageing or managed through self-medication.

Various health conditions and factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. These include circulatory disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, some hormonal disorders and side effects of certain medications.

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and other lifestyle factors can also increase the risk, although the presence of one or more of these factors does not necessarily mean they are the main cause of the problem.

During the assessment, the doctor will pay particular attention to your cardiovascular history and all medications you use. In some cases, treatment for erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes may require a more detailed assessment and different follow-up compared with other patients.

Sexual health can also be affected by emotional factors. Ongoing stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, relationship problems or fear of failure can contribute to the onset or persistence of the problem.

For some people, erectile dysfunction related to anxiety occurs only in certain situations. For others, concern about previous episodes can create a cycle of anticipation and anxiety that contributes to the problem continuing.

This does not mean that all erection difficulties are psychological in origin. In many cases, physical and emotional factors are involved at the same time, so both should be considered during the consultation.

When the doctor identifies a relevant psychological component, they may recommend lifestyle changes or refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist if they believe this approach could be beneficial.

Different medications may be used when a doctor considers them appropriate. The choice depends on factors such as your general health, associated conditions, usual medication, response to previous treatments and possible contraindications.

Among the most commonly used options are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, a group that includes active ingredients such as sildenafil and tadalafil. These medications increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, but they do not cause an erection automatically and do not replace a medical assessment.

Tablets for erectile dysfunction are not suitable for every patient and should never be chosen solely on the basis of online recommendations or other people's experiences.

When considering whether to prescribe sildenafil or tadalafil, the doctor reviews your cardiovascular history, blood pressure, chronic conditions, current treatments and any circumstances that could increase the risk of side effects.

It is particularly important to provide information about all medications you use. Combining these treatments with medicines containing nitrates can cause significant drops in blood pressure and is therefore contraindicated.

During the consultation, the doctor will also consider whether you have used either of these treatments before, how you responded and whether you experienced any side effects. In some cases, it may be appropriate to issue a prescription for tadalafil or sildenafil, while in others the doctor may consider further investigations or a different treatment approach more suitable.

Although online treatment for erectile dysfunction may be suitable for many patients, there are situations in which an in-person assessment is safer before starting any treatment.

This may be the case when symptoms appear suddenly for the first time, there is pain during an erection, significant curvature of the penis, a history of trauma, suspected hormonal or vascular disorders, or when the available information is not sufficient to assess the case safely. Further assessment may also be needed if symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath during exertion, loss of consciousness or other signs appear during the evaluation that could indicate a cardiovascular problem or another condition requiring priority medical attention.

If you experience severe chest pain, loss of consciousness or any other situation consistent with a medical emergency, go to an emergency department immediately or call 112.

An electronic prescription is issued only when the doctor considers that the treatment is clinically indicated and can be provided with an appropriate safety profile for the patient.

Completing the questionnaire does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued or that a specific medication will be prescribed. Each request is reviewed individually, taking into account your symptoms, personal medical history, current treatments and possible risk factors. When the assessment is favourable, the doctor may issue a prescription for tadalafil or sildenafil, provided there is a clinical indication and in accordance with current regulations. The medication is not included in the cost of the service and must be purchased separately from an authorised pharmacy.

The information provided during the assessment process is used for medical evaluation and management of the consultation, in accordance with applicable data protection regulations and the confidentiality of health information.

Oladoctor provides access to doctors who can confidentially assess requests relating to erectile dysfunction through a medical questionnaire, without the need for a video consultation in most cases. Before making any decision, the professional reviews the clinical information provided to determine whether the requested option can be offered safely or whether the assessment should be expanded through an in-person consultation.

The main benefits of the service include:

• A confidential medical questionnaire that can be completed from anywhere.
• Individual assessment carried out by a doctor.
• No video consultation required when the information provided is sufficient for the clinical assessment.
• Personalised medical recommendations based on your individual case.
• Electronic prescription issued only when treatment is medically indicated.
• Transparent pricing and a one-off payment for the medical assessment.
• Full refund if the request cannot be approved, in accordance with the current service terms.

The aim of the platform is not to automate medication prescribing, but to make it easier to access a medical assessment when this can be carried out safely at a distance. If the professional considers that an in-person consultation would provide greater assurance, they will explain the reasons and advise you on the recommended next steps.