What department should men visit for sexual dysfunction?

Male sexual dysfunction typically has complex causes involving multiple factors such as physiology, psychology, and endocrinology. The appropriate medical specialty should be selected based on the underlying cause, with common departments including urology, psychiatry (psychological medicine), endocrinology, cardiology, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A detailed breakdown is as follows:

1. Urology: This is the primary department for diagnosing and treating organic male sexual dysfunction. For dysfunctions caused by prostate diseases, congenital genital abnormalities, or vascular disorders, urologists can determine the exact cause through ultrasound imaging, hormone testing, and other diagnostic methods, and provide treatments such as medication or surgical intervention.

2. Psychiatry/Psychology: This department addresses sexual dysfunction rooted in psychological factors. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, excessive stress, or marital conflicts may lead to erectile difficulties or premature ejaculation. Psychiatrists or psychologists can use psychological assessment scales to identify underlying emotional triggers and offer therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or couples/family counseling. Medications may also be prescribed to improve mood and reduce the psychological impact on sexual function.

3. Endocrinology: This specialty manages sexual dysfunction caused by hormonal imbalances. Conditions such as low testosterone, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and diabetes can disrupt reproductive hormone levels or impair neurovascular function, leading to reduced libido or erectile dysfunction. Endocrinologists can evaluate hormone levels—including testosterone, thyroid hormones, and blood glucose—to pinpoint the cause and initiate treatments such as hormone replacement therapy or glycemic control to correct endocrine disturbances and improve sexual function.

4. Cardiology: This department focuses on sexual dysfunction related to vascular issues. Male sexual dysfunction often serves as an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and atherosclerosis can impair blood flow to the penis, resulting in erectile dysfunction. Cardiologists can assess vascular health through blood pressure monitoring and vascular ultrasound. While managing the underlying cardiovascular condition, they may collaborate with urologists or andrologists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, ensuring that potential cardiovascular risks are not overlooked during treatment for sexual dysfunction.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): This option is suitable for patients seeking integrative treatment combining Western and Chinese medicine. According to TCM theory, male sexual dysfunction is often associated with deficiencies such as kidney essence insufficiency, liver qi stagnation, or kidney yang deficiency. TCM practitioners use pattern differentiation to guide treatment, prescribing herbal formulas, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications to improve overall constitution and alleviate symptoms.

When seeking care for male sexual dysfunction, it is important to first rule out organic causes, then consider psychological factors. When the cause is unclear, initial consultation with the urology department for basic evaluations is recommended, followed by referral to other specialized departments based on test results. Patients should overcome feelings of embarrassment, honestly report their symptoms and medical history, and enable accurate diagnosis. Only through precise identification of the underlying cause can personalized and effective treatment plans be developed, avoiding worsening of the condition due to inappropriate self-medication or delayed medical care.