Erectile Dysfunction Singapore

Select Men’s Health Issue
Erectile Dysfunction

Dr Tan Kok Kuan

Men’s Health & Sexual Health Doctor

MBBS (S’pore), Cert. Men’s Health, Cert. Clinical Dermatology,Member, Academy for Men’s Health (Singapore)Member, Singapore Association for the Study of ObesityMember, International Society of Sexual Medicine

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is defined as the inability to get or maintain a firm erection for sexual activity. This tends to affect older men, but it can also affect younger men due to a number of factors. Erectile dysfunction in Singapore is a common sexual problem. However, many are too embarrassed to seek help.

We urge anyone affected to seek medical attention, because there is often an underlying medical cause worth identifying, and help is available to resolve the problem. At our clinic, we provide a detailed analysis of the underlying cause and recommend the best and most sustainable method of treatment that is individualized to the patient’s lifestyle.

The likelihood of erectile dysfunction increases with factors such as age, chronic diseases, smoking, medication, low testosterone and obesity.

What Are the Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Singapore

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of physical and emotional factors. Physical causes include the following:

  • Cardiovascular disease (e.g. blockage of blood vessels)
  • High cholesterol level
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Smoking
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Scar tissue inside the penis (Peyronie’s Disease)
  • Alcoholism or substance abuse
  • Pelvic or spinal cord damage due to trauma or surgery
  • Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism)

In addition to physical factors, emotional factors may also contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction. These include:

  • Stress
  • Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction may manifest itself in the following ways:

  1. Inability to have or maintain an erection
  2. Problems with maintaining an erection for a sufficient duration
  3. A decrease in the desire for sexual activity

Who Is at Risk of Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can affect men at any age, but certain factors significantly increase the risk. These include:

  • Ageing

    – The risk of ED increases with age, making older men, especially those over 40, at higher risk.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions

    – Men with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are more likely to experience ED.
  • Excessive Smoking or Alcohol Use

    – Tobacco and alcohol can damage the nervous system and blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis.
  • Weight

    – Obesity increases the risk of ED.
  • Medications

    – Drugs to treat hypertension, depression, anxiety, and prostate conditions can cause ED as a side effect.
  • Psychological Conditions

    – Mental health conditions can significantly interfere with sexual desire and arousal.

How is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Diagnosing erectile dysfunction involves a review of one’s medical history, a physical examination, and possibly additional laboratory tests. During the physical examination, the doctor will check for physical abnormalities and assess nerve sensitivity in the genital area. They may also order some tests to identify underlying factors that may have contributed to the condition. These tests include:

  • Blood Tests

    – Blood tests check for medical conditions that can contribute to or cause ED, such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and kidney disease.
  • Urine Tests (Urinalysis)

    – Urinalysis analyses urine samples to detect valuable clues about underlying medical conditions that may cause ED.
  • Penile Doppler Ultrasound

    – This test is often used to assess blood flow to the penis, identifying problems with the arteries and veins.
  • Psychological Exams

    – If no clear physical cause is found, psychological exams can help assess whether relationship issues, depression, or anxiety contribute to ED.

What are the Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

There are a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments in Singapore based on the underlying cause and severity. Among them are:

  1. Lifestyle Changes – Lifestyle changes are often the first step in treating ED. These include losing excess weight, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress.
  2. Oral Medications - A doctor may prescribe medications to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction and improve sexual function by increasing blood circulation to the penis.
  3. Testosterone Therapy - This therapy may help in mild cases of erectile dysfunction in men who have abnormally low testosterone levels.
  4. Injection Therapy - A thin needle is used to inject certain medications into the penis in order to help induce an erection.
  5. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) - This procedure applies low-intensity shock waves to improve penile blood flow and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the erectile tissue.
  6. Surgical Treatment - This is one form of erectile dysfunction treatment in Singapore in which a penile implant or penile prosthesis is inserted into the body to improve erections.

When underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are contributing factors, integrating lifestyle changes and appropriate medication is crucial for improving erectile function.

How Effective Are Erectile Dysfunction Medications?

Erectile dysfunction medications such as Sildenafil and Tadalafil have shown good outcomes in most patients. They work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical naturally produced by the body to relax penile muscles and increase blood flow, which helps achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.

Be sure to only obtain erectile dysfunction medications from licensed clinics and hospitals, as unregulated black-market medications can result in serious adverse health effects.

Intraurethral Alprostadil Cream for Erectile Dysfunction

Alprostadil cream is one of the newer treatment options for ED. It delivers the same active ingredient found in some penile injections—without the need for needles. Instead, the cream is applied painlessly into the opening of the urethra. The medication is then absorbed through the urethral mucosa into the erectile tissue of the penis, where it helps trigger an erection.

How Does It Work?

Alprostadil works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow to the penis. This results in an erection without the need for sexual stimulation—unlike oral medications such as sildenafil or tadalafil, which typically require arousal to be effective.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

People who are sensitive to the cream may develop itching, tingling, redness or a mild burning sensation at the application site. These symptoms occur in about 10% of users and are usually temporary. If they persist or become bothersome, consult your doctor. A rare but more serious side effect is a prolonged erection (priapism). This can often be avoided by starting with a small dose and gradually adjusting based on your response.

Will This Affect My Partner?

In some cases, alprostadil cream can cause vaginal itching in women who are sensitive to the cream. To minimise this risk, it is best to wait until the cream is fully absorbed before intercourse. Using a condom after applying the cream is another effective way to prevent transfer.

How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

You can lower your risk of developing erectile dysfunction with the following tips:

  • Address Underlying Health Conditions – Ensure that existing health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions that might contribute to erectile dysfunction are well-managed with the help of a doctor.
  • Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol Intake – Smoking and excessive drinking are known risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
  • Improve Sleep & Manage Stress – Stress and sleep disturbances can lead to hormonal imbalances that adversely affect one’s overall health and sexual function.
  • Follow a Balanced Diet – Eating a balanced diet helps improve blood flow, maintain a healthy weight, and support hormonal balance, which are all essential for proper erectile function.
  • Maintain an Active Lifestyle – Physical activity can be a stress reliever and can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.

Reclaim control over your health and intimacy.

Visit Dr Tan Medical Center in Singapore and let our doctors help you find relief for ED. Schedule your consultation at 6513 0359 today.

FAQs on Erectile Dysfunction

Can erectile dysfunction be cured?
How long does it take to recover from erectile dysfunction?
Is erectile dysfunction permanent?
Who should not take erectile dysfunction medications?

Safe, effective medicine available via prescription

Thorough consultation to determine effective treatment methods

Personalized treatment options that suit your needs, lifestyle and medical history

Our Doctor

Dr Tan Kok Kuan

Men’s Health & Sexual Health Doctor

MBBS (S’pore), Cert. Men’s Health, Cert. Clinical Dermatology,Member, Academy for Men’s Health (Singapore)Member, Singapore Association for the Study of ObesityMember, International Society of Sexual Medicine

Dr Tan Kok Kuan is an experienced doctor specialising in men's health, sexual health and medical weight loss. With over 20 years of clinical experience, he offers confidential and effective screening and treatment services. Notably, Dr Tan was one of the key authors of Singapore’s National HIV PrEP Guidelines and the national blueprint to end HIV transmission by 2030. Dr Tan frequently speaks at local and international conferences and has been featured in the media, where he helps raise public awareness around men’s health and sexual health.

“Every patient deserves our fullest attention.”

If you have any queries, please contact us at 6513 0359 or use the contact form below.

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Dr Tan Medical Centre

10 Sinaran Drive #09-30, Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506

Tel: (+65) 6513 0359 WhatsApp: (+65) 9750 5037

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays