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Erectile
Dysfunction (ED) Diagnosis |
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Find out if you have Erectile
Dysfunction (ED) or not?
Have you ever had a problem with getting or keeping an
erection? If yes, you should see your doctor. Your doctor
or healthcare professional is the best person who can determine
if you have erectile dysfunction (Impotence) and what treatment
options might be right for you.
Your sexual health is important
Take the Erectile Dysfunction (ED) quiz to identify
any issues you may have regarding erectile dysfunction. The
quiz is not intended as a substitute for a complete evaluation,
including a physical examination and medical history.
Click here to Take
the Erectile Dysfunction Quiz
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction diagnosis would generally
require one or more following things. (Take Viagra,
erectile dysfunction quiz if you aren't sure about yourself).
Patient History:
Medical and sexual histories help define the degree and
nature of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). A medical history can
disclose diseases that lead to Erectile Dysfunction (ED),
while a simple recounting of sexual activity might distinguish
between problems with sexual desire, erection, ejaculation,
or orgasm.
Physical Examination:
A physical examination can give clues to systemic problems. For example, if the penis is not sensitive to touching, a problem in the nervous system may be the cause. Abnormal secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern, can point to hormonal problems, which would mean that the endocrine system is involved. The examiner might discover a circulatory problem by observing decreased pulses in the wrist or ankles. And unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the source of the problem--for example, a penis that bends or curves when erect could be the result of Peyronie's disease.
Laboratory Tests:
Several laboratory tests can help diagnose Erectile Dysfunction
(ED). Tests for systemic diseases include blood counts,
urinalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of creatinine
and liver enzymes. Measuring the amount of testosterone
in the blood can yield information about problems with the
endocrine system and is indicated especially in patients
with decreased sexual desire. Some of the tests generally
employed in erectile dysfunction diagnosis are:
- Blood Tests and Urinalysis
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Liver and Kidney Function Tests
- Thyroid Function Tests
- Erectile Function Tests
- Duplex Ultrasound
- Prostate Examination using a digital rectal examination (DRE), Penile Nerve Function using bulbocavernosus reflex test
- Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT)
- Penile Biothesiometry
- Vasoactive Injection
Other Tests:
Monitoring erections that occur during sleep (nocturnal
penile tumescence) can help rule out certain psychological
causes of ED. Healthy men have involuntary erections during
sleep. If nocturnal erections do not occur, then Erectile
Dysfunction (ED) is likely to have a physical rather than
psychological cause. Tests of nocturnal erections are not
completely reliable, however. Scientists have not standardized
such tests and have not determined when they should be applied
for best results.
Psychosocial Examination:
A psychosocial examination, using an interview and a questionnaire,
reveals psychological factors. A man's sexual partner may
also be interviewed to determine expectations and perceptions
during sexual intercourse.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. Decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
