04
Erectile dysfunction follow-up: response and side effects
Follow-up reviews erection quality, treatment use and side effects rather than assuming the first option will work. Bring notes and an updated medicine list. Persistent difficulty may call for a revised plan; urgent symptoms should not wait for a review appointment.
05
After treatment
Review benefit and correct use
Note the treatment used, its timing, whether it helped you get and keep an erection, and any unwanted effects. For sildenafil, mention meals and sexual stimulation; for a vacuum device, describe any difficulty with technique, bruising or numbness. These details make the review more useful than a simple worked/did not work answer.
Recheck health and medicine changes
Bring an updated list of medicines, supplements and any new diagnoses. Discuss smoking, alcohol, activity, stress and relationship concerns alongside diabetes or blood-pressure care. A helpful ED treatment does not replace care for an underlying condition, and changes to other medicines need the treating clinician's advice.
Agree the next step
The prescriber may adjust the dose, change the option or discuss counselling, devices or specialist care. Ask what will be tried next and when to return. Do not increase the dose or combine treatments yourself. Report troublesome effects rather than silently stopping follow-up or seeking an unverified alternative.
Partner involvement is optional; you can ask for a private conversation. Do not wait for follow-up if an erection lasts four hours or more, or if sudden vision or hearing loss occurs after an ED medicine. Seek urgent care and tell the team what you took. Routine review timing should be agreed with your clinician, not assumed to be the same for everyone.
Confirm before booking
Ask the external provider to confirm the clinician's specialty, appointment location, fees, preparation and follow-up arrangements before you attend.
Sources: NIDDK — Treatment for erectile dysfunction; MedlinePlus — Sildenafil: use, precautions and side effects