Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about. At International Andrology London, a specialist team assesses the cause of your symptoms and talks you through every suitable treatment, from lifestyle changes and medication to shockwave therapy and penile implant surgery.
Medically reviewed by our medical team, who are GMC registered · Last reviewed: 2 November 2026 · Next review: November 2027
Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity.[1] Occasional difficulty is normal, but if the problem is ongoing it is worth getting checked.
ED becomes more common with age. In the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, around half of men aged 40 to 70 reported some degree of erectile dysfunction.[2]
Erections depend on healthy blood vessels, nerves and hormones, so ED can be an early sign of another health problem. It shares risk factors with heart disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. ED can appear before other signs of cardiovascular disease, which is why guidelines recommend a cardiovascular risk assessment for men with ED.[1][3]
Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties can also cause or worsen ED, often alongside a physical cause.
Treatment usually starts with the least invasive option that suits you. Many men use a combination.
Stopping smoking, being more active, losing weight if needed, drinking less alcohol, and managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol can all improve erections and general health.[1][3]
Prescription tablets that increase blood flow to the penis are the usual first medical treatment and help many men. They are not suitable for everyone: for example, they must not be taken with nitrate heart medicines. We will check whether they are safe for you and which option and dose to use.
A vacuum device draws blood into the penis, and a ring at the base helps keep the erection. It is drug-free and can be used alongside other treatments.
Low-intensity shockwave therapy uses gentle acoustic waves applied to the penis over a course of sessions. It is aimed at improving blood flow in men whose ED is mainly caused by reduced blood supply. The evidence is most supportive for men with mild ED, and research into how long the benefit lasts is still developing.[1] We will tell you honestly whether you are likely to benefit before you start.
PRP uses a concentrate made from a sample of your own blood, which is injected into the penis. It is one of the treatment options we offer. The evidence for PRP in ED is still emerging, and current European guidelines advise that it is used in the setting of clinical studies.[1] We will discuss what the evidence shows, and what it does not yet show, so you can decide whether it is right for you.
A medicine injected into the side of the penis with a very fine needle produces an erection within minutes. It works for many men who do not respond to tablets. We teach you how to do this safely, including how to avoid a prolonged erection.
For men whose ED has not responded to, or is not suited to, other treatments, a penile implant (prosthesis) offers a permanent and reliable solution.[1][4] Read about penile implant surgery.
Where stress, anxiety or relationship factors play a part, psychosexual therapy can help, on its own or alongside medical treatment.
Start with a free phone call with our team. A specialist consultation costs £100 in person or £50 online. Blood tests are paid directly to the laboratory, and any ultrasound scan is arranged with our imaging partner and paid to them. The cost of any treatment is confirmed in writing before you go ahead.
It becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable and it is usually treatable at any age. Because it can be linked to heart and blood vessel health, it should be checked rather than ignored.
That depends on the cause. When ED is linked to a treatable factor, such as a medicine side effect, low testosterone or lifestyle, treating it can restore natural erections. Otherwise, treatments can reliably manage ED, and most men are able to have satisfying sex again.
No. You can book directly with us. With your consent, we can share our findings with your GP.
Most men feel only mild tingling or discomfort during treatment, and no anaesthetic is needed.
Yes. Everything you tell us is treated in strict confidence.
Speak to our team about your symptoms and options in a free, confidential phone call.
Book a free phone call · Message us on WhatsApp (+44 7457 404374) · Call 020 3051 3060
Start with a free, confidential phone call with our team. At your consultation, our specialists will agree a personalised plan with you that treats your symptoms and looks for any underlying cause of your ED.
Book a consultation with our highly experienced doctors. The first step towards an accurate diagnosis is an investigation of possible causes by our specialists.
If you are not ready to book an appointment to see one of our specialist consultants but looking to buy ED medication then we recommend visiting our partner website Adam Health, where you can buy medication and have them delivered to your address by answering a simple online questionnaire.
We’ll assess, diagnose, and put together a personalised treatment plan so you know exactly where you stand. Online or in-clinic.
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