At Tilla Virtual Care Clinic, we provide confidential, evidence-based virtual care for men’s health concerns across Alberta. We assess and manage conditions such as low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, sexual health concerns, and related metabolic or cardiovascular risk factors. Care is individualized, medically appropriate, and focused on safe diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up — without unnecessary testing or overprescribing.
Low testosterone (also called hypogonadism or “low T”) occurs when the body does not produce adequate testosterone. This may result from testicular, pituitary, or hypothalamic dysfunction, or develop gradually with aging, obesity, and chronic medical conditions.
Common symptoms include:
Many of these symptoms are nonspecific and can overlap with other medical conditions, which is why proper testing is essential before considering treatment.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED is common and increases with age, but it is not a normal or inevitable part of aging.
ED is often an early marker of cardiovascular disease and shares many risk factors with heart disease.
Common risk factors include:
Men presenting with ED should be assessed for cardiovascular risk factors as part of routine care.
Low testosterone and erectile dysfunction frequently overlap. Studies show that 12–47% of men with ED also have low testosterone, depending on the diagnostic threshold used.
Testosterone plays an important role in sexual desire and contributes to erectile function. However, ED can occur even with normal testosterone levels, particularly when caused by vascular disease, diabetes, or other medical conditions. Treatment decisions depend on identifying the underlying cause rather than assuming testosterone deficiency.
A diagnosis of testosterone deficiency requires both symptoms and laboratory confirmation.
These blood tests are typically covered by provincial health insurance when medically indicated.
ED is diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. Evaluation includes assessment for:
This evaluation helps identify reversible causes and ensures treatment is appropriate and safe.
Testosterone therapy is considered only for men with confirmed biochemical deficiency and symptoms.
Potential benefits include:
TRT is not a treatment for normal aging and is not prescribed without clear indication.
Forms of testosterone include:
Coverage varies by province and drug plan. Injectable testosterone is typically the most affordable option.
Current evidence does not show an increased risk of prostate cancer or major cardiovascular events when appropriately prescribed and monitored.
Men on TRT require reassessment at 3 months and then every 6–12 months to monitor:
Follow-up blood work is covered by provincial health insurance.
Oral PDE5 inhibitors are first-line treatment for ED, effective in 60–70% of men.
Available options in Canada include:
All are similarly effective. Tadalafil has a longer duration of action and may be taken daily at a lower dose.
These medications are generally not covered by provincial drug plans, though generic options are significantly more affordable.
For men with both low testosterone and ED:
Lifestyle interventions can significantly improve erectile function and testosterone levels and are an important part of care.
Evidence-based recommendations include:
These interventions align with Canadian preventive health guidelines and may enhance treatment response.
Many supplements and alternative therapies marketed for ED or testosterone lack strong evidence.
We do not recommend unproven therapies as primary treatment.
Typically covered:
Often not covered:
Virtual care is appropriate for many men with sexual health or hormonal concerns. Some conditions may require in-person examination or referral, and this will always be discussed openly.
If symptoms such as low energy, reduced libido, or erectile dysfunction are affecting your quality of life, a structured medical assessment can help identify the cause and guide safe, evidence-based treatment.
Book a virtual men’s health consultation to discuss your concerns and next steps.
We provide virtual assessment and management for a wide range of men’s health concerns, including fatigue, low energy, sexual health concerns, testosterone-related symptoms, urinary symptoms, sleep issues, mood changes, and chronic disease follow-up. Care is evidence-based and individualized, with time set aside to review concerns thoroughly.
Yes. Laboratory results are only one part of a complete clinical assessment. Symptoms, medical history, and functional impact are equally important. When concerns persist, we focus on understanding the full picture and discussing whether further evaluation or management may be appropriate.
When clinically appropriate, investigations may be recommended to support diagnosis or guide management. Testing is used thoughtfully and selectively, with the goal of clarifying concerns rather than ordering tests unnecessarily.
Yes. When indicated, treatment options — including medications — are discussed as part of shared decision-making. Recommendations are guided by current evidence, patient goals, and safety considerations.
Testosterone therapy may be considered for select patients after appropriate clinical assessment and review of laboratory findings. Decisions are individualized and made in accordance with evidence-based practice and patient-specific factors.
No. This service is not intended to replace primary care. Family physicians and primary care teams play a central role in long-term health management. This clinic is designed to complement existing care, provide additional support, or assist when access to timely assessment is limited.
Visits are scheduled, focused, and allow adequate time for discussion and follow-up. Care emphasizes continuity, clinical reasoning, and individualized management rather than episodic or time-limited encounters.
Yes. Many men’s health concerns can be safely and effectively addressed through virtual care, including assessment, review of symptoms, and ongoing management.
No. Nurse Practitioner services provided in private clinics are not covered by AHCIP. Visits are paid out of pocket. Some patients may be eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits or health spending accounts.
Men seeking dedicated time to discuss health concerns, review symptoms in detail, and explore management options in a structured, evidence-based setting — either alongside existing primary care or when access has been limited.