Erectile dysfunction can be hard to live with. The good news is that there are men's health clinics and specialized ED clinics where you can see a doctor and receive medical treatment for this condition. The idea of telling someone — even a doctor — about your ED can be a little intimidating at first. However, learning a little more about these clinics and the care they offer can help you feel more comfortable with the process. Here are the key things you should know.

ED clinics employ doctors who specialize in the male anatomy.

Yes, you can talk to your primary care doctor about ED, and in many cases, they will be able to help. But primary care physicians are not usually specialists in male health. Doctors at ED clinics tend to be. As such, a doctor at an ED clinic will be up on the most recent treatment options. They may have a little more insight into which conditions are most likely to work for you. They'll also be more used to talking to patients about this and similar issues, which may mean they may address you in a way that makes you feel more comfortable and supported.

ED clinics do not just prescribe medications.

Many men who visit an ED clinic do walk out with a prescription for medications to treat their ED. However, these clinics are not just pill distribution centers. Often, the doctors will recommend additional treatments and lifestyle changes that can help your ED. For example, they may recommend losing some weight or incorporating more exercise into your routine. Or, they may recommend certain herbal supplements you can try. If you aren't too sold on the idea of taking pills for your ED, this does not mean you should not visit the ED clinic. They can certainly help you explore other options.

ED clinics consider your health history.

ED is not just a cosmetic problem. It can have to do with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. As such, when you visit the ED clinic, you should be prepared to talk about your overall health history and other diagnoses. The more the doctors there know about you, the better able they will be to recommend effective treatments. 

Now that you know a little more about visiting an erectile dysfunction clinic and receiving treatment at one of these facilities, you should hopefully feel comfortable doing so.