What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) - Evaluation

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation, you will usually receive guidance on next steps to better understand and manage the condition. The healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes, recommend further tests, or discuss treatment options. Since ED can have many causes, including physical and emotional factors, follow-up care is important. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to start this process, but some situations may require in-person visits for more detailed exams or tests. It's important to watch for warning signs like sudden pain or swelling and seek urgent care if they happen. This guide helps young people and their families understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for ED evaluation, emphasizing safety and clear communication with your healthcare team.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe pain in the penis or groin area — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling, redness, or lumps in the genital area accompanied by fever — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial discussion of symptoms and medical history related to ED.
• Providing general education about ED causes and lifestyle changes.
• Ordering routine blood tests or urine tests.
• Discussing treatment options and medication management when appropriate.
• Scheduling follow-up visits and referrals to specialists.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment.
• Conducting specialized diagnostic tests like penile ultrasound or nocturnal penile tumescence testing.
• Managing emergency situations such as severe pain or infection.
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person evaluation where regulations require it.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider may summarize the information gathered and suggest next steps. These might include lifestyle advice such as improving diet, exercise, or sleep habits. They may also recommend tests like blood work or urine tests to check for underlying causes. Sometimes, a follow-up visit—either virtual or in-person—will be scheduled to review results and discuss treatment options.

Common Next Steps in ED Evaluation

ED can be caused by many factors including health conditions, medications, or emotional stress. Common next steps include:

These help the healthcare provider understand the cause and plan care.

When In-Person Visits May Be Needed

Some parts of ED evaluation require physical exams or specialized tests that cannot be done through telemedicine. Your provider may recommend an in-person visit if:

In-person care helps ensure a complete and safe evaluation.

Important Warning Signs to Watch For

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

These may indicate serious problems needing immediate attention.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Prepare by:

This helps make the visit effective and comfortable.

Aftercare and Follow-Up Tips

After your visit:

Good follow-up helps manage ED safely and effectively.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and how long you have had them.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Prepare a list of all medications and supplements you take.
• Find a private, quiet place with a reliable internet connection for the call.
• Have your identification and any previous medical records handy if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider carefully.
• Complete any recommended laboratory or imaging tests promptly.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new issues.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments, virtual or in-person.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any warning signs or worsening symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine fully diagnose erectile dysfunction?

Telemedicine can help start the evaluation by discussing your symptoms and medical history. However, a full diagnosis may require physical exams or tests that need to be done in person.

What should I do if I have sudden pain or swelling after the visit?

If you experience sudden, severe pain or swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition needing urgent treatment.

Will I need to do any tests after my telemedicine visit?

Often, your provider may order blood or urine tests to check for underlying causes of ED. These tests usually require an in-person visit to a lab or clinic.

Can I get medication for ED through telemedicine?

In some cases, providers can prescribe medication after your telemedicine visit. However, this depends on your individual situation and local regulations. Always use medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

Is ED common in young people?

While ED is more common in older adults, it can affect young people too. Causes can include stress, anxiety, health conditions, or medications. Talking to a healthcare provider can help find the cause and treatment.

Sources

1. Erectile Dysfunction — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Erectile Dysfunction: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Erectile Dysfunction — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.