Sexual and Erectile Dysfunction

Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery

Sexual health issues, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) for men, dyspareunia/vaginismus for women, and low sexual desire for both sexes, can impact confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life. At Urology Bay of Plenty, we provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans for sexual dysfunction across all ages.

Early assessment is key to addressing underlying causes, improving sexual function, and restoring quality of life.

Common Symptoms Across Sexes

Some symptoms of sexual dysfunction can occur in both men and women:

Reduced sexual desire or libido

Difficulty achieving sexual satisfaction

Pain during intercourse

Reduced sensitivity or sensation

Anxiety or distress related to sexual activity

Specific symptoms differ between men and women, guiding diagnosis and treatment pathways.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Main Symptoms in Men:

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Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)

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Reduced morning erections

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Premature ejaculation

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Reduced sexual desire

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Difficulty achieving orgasm

Common Causes in Men:

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Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure

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Hormonal imbalances (eg low testosterone)

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Stress, anxiety, or depression

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Medication side effects

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Neurological conditions

Diagnosis in Men:

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Medical history review – lifestyle, medications, sexual history

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Physical examination – blood pressure, BMI, genital examination if indicated (support person or chaperone are allowed or provided on request for all intimate examinations)

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Blood tests – hormone levels, HbA1c, cholesterol

Treatment Options for Men:

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Lifestyle modifications – exercise, diet, quitting smoking/vaping, reducing alcohol

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Counselling (psychosexual therapy) – for performance anxiety, stress, or relationship issues

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Pelvic floor exercises

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Vacuum erection devices

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Medications – PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil/Viagra), penile (intracavernosal) injections, testosterone replacement therapy if appropriate

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Surgery (penile implants) – for severe or resistant cases

Post-Treatment Care:

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Ongoing monitoring of treatment efficacy

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Repeat prescriptions for up to 1 year at a time

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Adjusting medications or devices as required

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Referral to a network of trusted partners (psychosexual therapists, pelvic physiotherapists, endocrinologist…) if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (Men)

What causes erectile dysfunction in men?

ED can result from vascular disease, diabetes, low testosterone, stress, medication side effects, or neurological problems. Specialist assessment identifies the cause.

Can ED be treated without surgery?

Yes. Most men benefit from medications, lifestyle changes, vacuum devices, or
counselling before considering surgery.

Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

Often not. Many men respond to medical or lifestyle interventions, though severe cases may require implants or advanced therapies.

When should I see a specialist for ED?

Seek specialist care if you experience persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, reduced libido, or associated pain or blood in urine.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women

Main Symptoms in Women:

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Low sexual desire or arousal

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Difficulty achieving orgasm

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Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia or vaginismus)

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Reduced lubrication

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Loss of sexual satisfaction or confidence

Common Causes in Women:

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Hormonal changes (menopause, low estrogen or testosterone)

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Vaginal dryness or atrophy

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Stress, anxiety, or depression

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Medication side effects

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Pelvic floor weakness or chronic pain conditions

Diagnosis in Women:

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Medical and sexual history – menstrual history, relationship factors, medications

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Physical examination – blood pressure, BMI, genital examination if indicated (support person or chaperone are allowed or provided on request for all intimate examinations)

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Blood tests – hormone levels, HbA1c, cholesterol

Treatment Options for Women:

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Treatment of co-occurring conditions – genital skin problems, BV/thrush, other infections

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Lubricants and moisturisers – for vaginal dryness or atrophy

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Pelvic floor physiotherapy – improves arousal, orgasm, and pain management

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Counselling or sex therapy – for desire, relationship, or performance-related concerns

Post-Treatment Care:

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Ongoing monitoring of treatment efficacy

E

Repeat prescriptions for up to 1 year at a time

E

Adjusting medications or devices as required

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Referral to a network of trusted partners (psychosexual therapists, pelvic physiotherapists, gynaecologist, menopause medicine specialists…) if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (Women)

What causes sexual dysfunction in women?

Causes include hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, stress, depression, medication effects, and pelvic floor weakness.

Can women regain sexual desire after menopause?

Yes. Hormone therapy, lubrication, pelvic floor exercises, and counselling can improve desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

How is pain during intercourse treated?

Treatments include lubricants, topical estrogen, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and addressing underlying medical or psychological issues.

When should I see a specialist for sexual dysfunction?

See a specialist if you have persistent low desire, pain during intercourse, difficultyachieving orgasm, or distress affecting your relationships.

Why Choose Urology BOP

Patients benefit from:

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Specialist assessment of sexual dysfunction in men and women

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Comprehensive testing for hormonal, vascular, neurological, and psychological factors

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Personalised treatment plans using medications, minimally invasive devices, hormone therapy, and counselling

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Long-term follow-up to monitor outcomes and maintain sexual health

Specialist Care

Urology Bay of Plenty provides expert diagnosis and treatment for prostate and urinary conditions, including advanced minimally invasive procedures.

If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, a urology consultation can help determine the best treatment.

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