Breaking the stigma around erectile dysfunction: Why seeing a urologist matters

When it comes to men’s health, there’s one topic that tends to fall to the bottom of the priority list—even though it affects approximately 30 million men nationwide. Erectile dysfunction may feel difficult to talk about, but at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group’s Comprehensive Urology Langhorne, urologist Catherine Gu, MD, is making sure no one has to navigate it alone. 

As the practice’s new ED expert, she’s helping men understand that seeking care is empowering—not embarrassing—especially during Erectile Dysfunction Awareness Month, recognized each November.

According to Dr. Gu, who completed a fellowship focused on men’s sexual health at UCLA, many men delay seeking care for ED because of the societal stigma.

“There’s this association with the loss of masculinity, loss of manhood, that can be a very sensitive topic. But men shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to their physicians because we can help,” says Dr. Gu. “A lot of times, erectile dysfunction signals that there may be underlying medical conditions that are driving it.”

In fact, ED is oftentimes the first sign that something serious is going on in the body. For example, it can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, with blocked arteries causing ED before a heart attack or stroke occurs. This is why it’s vital to seek care for ED sooner rather than later. Hypertension, diabetes and negative effects from smoking—basically anything that attacks blood vessels or small nerves—can also cause ED.

Aside from these underlying conditions, there is the common belief that ED is simply something that comes with age. While this is partially true, as cells in the body tend to get “tired” over time, explains Dr. Gu, ED isn’t something that every person of a certain age must live with.

“As people get older, they also get those other conditions that cause erectile dysfunction. So, age does play a role there. That’s undeniable. But it doesn’t mean that having to deal with ED is inevitable,” says Dr. Gu. “No matter how old you are, people are entitled to have a fulfilling sexual life, whatever that might mean to them. There are treatments. No matter how old you are and what else you’re dealing with, we can help you.”

“At the end of the day, I’m a clinical professional and I’m here to help you. I treat it as a totally normal conversation. There’s nothing embarrassing about this. It’s a very casual conversation in which I’m just trying to get a sense of where you are, what your goals are and how we can work together to get you there. It doesn’t need to be awkward.” – Catherine Gu, MD

There are various treatments for ED, ranging from medical to surgical via an inflatable implant. For each patient she sees, Dr. Gu’s approach is the same: She informs them about the pros and cons of every option, never pushes them into a decision and, above all else, makes sure they feel comfortable.

“At the end of the day, I’m a clinical professional and I’m here to help you. I treat it as a totally normal conversation. There’s nothing embarrassing about this. It’s a very casual conversation in which I’m just trying to get a sense of where you are, what your goals are and how we can work together to get you there,” says Dr. Gu. “It doesn’t need to be awkward.”

Men’s sexual health is an area of passion for Dr. Gu, especially when it comes to prostate cancer patients, since treatment can cause ED due to nerve damage.

“There is an opportunity here to help people in a very meaningful way. That’s why I do what I do,” says Dr. Gu. “I want to help people, go with them along this journey and really make positive changes in their quality of life.”

In addition to ED, Dr. Gu treats all aspects of the internal urinary system (from the kidneys to the ureters) in both men and women. Men can also see her for prostate and testicular health, while women can discuss conditions like recurring UTIs and urinary incontinence after pregnancy.

As Erectile Dysfunction Awareness Month comes to a close, Dr. Gu has one overarching message for men who may be hesitant to schedule an appointment: “ED is not masculinity. There are many different reasons why it happens, and you coming to see a provider does not change anything about your manhood or how you should feel about yourself. Clinical, research-backed information is always better than Google, which can be a scary place. Coming in to at least have a consultation is always in your best interest.”

Visit Urology Care for more information and to make an appointment.