Questions To Ask Yourself
What Constitutes Optimal Care?
1. History, including some discussion of sexual relationship and relevant physical examination.
2. Education — discussion of causes of erectile problems with particular reference to our situation.
3. Choices — an outline of relevant choices that you and your partner may consider.
4. Instruction — some treatments take time and certain skills. You should have enough time and support to "get it right".
5. Follow-up — your situation may change, or something new may become available.
Three Tough Questions To Ask Yourself
1. How motivated are you?
When men go through a long period without sexual activity, they may fall out of the habit of having sex. Ask yourself: How eager am I to resume sexual activity on a regular basis? Am I unsure? Do I merely want more information? What are my expectations about this clinic and about resuming sexual activity?
2. What is your willingness to learn new methods for obtaining and maintaining an erection?
Some erectile difficulties may be solved by the addition of an oral medication. Often, however, you will need to consider new ways to achieve an erection. If you are not open to new methods and expect everything to "be like it was in the old days," you will reduce your chances of success.
3. How supportive is your partner?
Erectile dysfunction also affects your partner. Having asked yourself whether or not you want to resume sexual activity, the same question needs to be asked of your partner. Is your relationship strong enough to deal with changes that inevitably occur as a result of creating a situation in which two sets of sexual desires have to be accommodated? How open is your partner to new methods of obtaining and erection? The answers to these questions will determine whether or not you are a candidate for treatment.