What is in a word?

We start today's article knowing that you have the commitment to go talk through your problem with a doctor. You now accept that, for the vast majority of all men who suffer from ED, the only real choice about treatment will be whether to take Viagra, Cialis or Levitra - perhaps on its own or in combination with other treatment. Given that almost all men can get relief from erectile dysfunction (ED) quickly and easily, there is no reason to delay getting help.

Before going further, we offer the simple clarification that in all these articles, we use the words "doctor" and "physician" interchangeably to mean anyone who holds a medical degree and is licensed to practice medicine. So, for example, the American Medical Association uses physician to describe its members, whereas the British Medical Association uses doctor to describe its members.

Why should you go to see a doctor? There seem to be private clinics around that offer a confidential service. By clinic, we mean an organisation that provides health care and advice in the community rather than as a part of a hospital. Some clinics are run by registered physicians, others are staffed by qualified nurses, physiotherapists and other second-line medical service personnel. There are also clinics run by corporations with no formally qualified medical staff in place.

However you might want to deny it, ED is a medical condition and it can be the symptom of quite serious diseases and disorders. If you do not go to consult a person who is licensed by your country to practice as a doctor/physician, you are risking your health. The person you see may well be very pleasant and reassuring but, without detailed knowledge and access to a laboratory where sophisticated tests can be performed, you may not get a proper diagnosis. All that may happen is that you pay money for words of comfort that later prove to be worthless.

A doctor has years of education and training and can give you a proper examination, apply scientific tests to arrive at a definitive diagnosis, and prescribe appropriate medication. In most countries only registered physicians or, sometimes, pharmacists are allowed to prescribe regulated medications. Unqualified individuals can only refer you on to qualified specialists or hospitals for full diagnostic testing or treatment. Seeing anyone other than a medically qualified individual can be a dangerous waste of money. If you attend a "clinic" and there is any doubt in your mind as to whether the individual proposing to treat you is a doctor, ask for proof of accreditation.

The advantage of consulting your own physician is that he or she has immediate access to your medical records. Any new round of diagnostic testing can therefore start off with good quality baseline information about you and your family's health. You also "know" each other. The ice is broken. Sometimes there can be social awkwardness in opening a discussion with a complete stranger about such a private matter.

But, equally, some people would always want to discuss this particular condition with a new doctor.If your usual doctor is a woman, you may find the idea of a physical examination too embarrassing and therefore prefer to consult a male doctor. Alternatively, you may prefer a complete stranger. Some men value their image and reputation highly, and feel that they will lose face by disclosing this particular condition to someone who knows them.

You may prefer the idea of going directly to an expert in sexual dysfunction, often a urologist or genitourinary specialist. The motive may be to save expense. Rather than having two consultations, one with a general practitioner and then a referral to a specialist, you cut out the first stage. You can ask a "friend" to recommend someone or use the directory services of state or local medical associations to pull a name from a list of people by specialism.

So now that you know who to consult, we will next look at what can you expect when you get there.