Step 1: In order to diagnose whether you are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) or not, you need to consult your doctor and go through a process of interview, physical examination and diagnostic tests.
Step 2: The first part of the diagnostic process will cover your sexual, medical and psychosocial history.
A doctor will ask you a series of questions about the kind of erection you experience, your intake of current medications, whether you are suffering from behavioral disorders, duration of problems, other problems during sex amongst many other questions.
Step 3: The next stage of the process of diagnosis is a thorough physical examination, where your genitals will be the focus of attention.
Your urinary and vascular system will also undergo an examination.
If there are unsuspected reasons for your condition, they can be revealed during a physical examination.
Such reasons include diabetes, penile injury, prostate disorder etc.
Step 4: You then go on to laboratory testing, only if required.
Some of the tests that you might be asked to go through are Complete Blood Count (CBC), lipid profile, thyroid function test and liver and kidney function test and blood hormone studies.
Sometimes, hormonal imbalance can also be a cause for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Such tests will tell you for sure whether you are suffering from ED and why you are suffering from this condition.
Step 5: The next stage of diagnosing ED can be imaging studies like duplex ultrasound.
This examination can be performed on the penis, as well as, your testes.
At times, ultrasound can also be performed on the abdomen and/or the pelvic region as well.
Such an examination is usually conducted to check whether you are suffering from penile arterial disorders; such disorders can cause ED.
Step 6: If your doctor is still not sure or wants to be absolutely sure about the diagnosis, he/she may put you through some other tests including penile biothesiometry, dynamic infusion cavernosometry, arteriography and nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT).
Tips and warnings
Step 2: The first part of the diagnostic process will cover your sexual, medical and psychosocial history.
A doctor will ask you a series of questions about the kind of erection you experience, your intake of current medications, whether you are suffering from behavioral disorders, duration of problems, other problems during sex amongst many other questions.
Step 3: The next stage of the process of diagnosis is a thorough physical examination, where your genitals will be the focus of attention.
Your urinary and vascular system will also undergo an examination.
If there are unsuspected reasons for your condition, they can be revealed during a physical examination.
Such reasons include diabetes, penile injury, prostate disorder etc.
Step 4: You then go on to laboratory testing, only if required.
Some of the tests that you might be asked to go through are Complete Blood Count (CBC), lipid profile, thyroid function test and liver and kidney function test and blood hormone studies.
Sometimes, hormonal imbalance can also be a cause for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Such tests will tell you for sure whether you are suffering from ED and why you are suffering from this condition.
Step 5: The next stage of diagnosing ED can be imaging studies like duplex ultrasound.
This examination can be performed on the penis, as well as, your testes.
At times, ultrasound can also be performed on the abdomen and/or the pelvic region as well.
Such an examination is usually conducted to check whether you are suffering from penile arterial disorders; such disorders can cause ED.
Step 6: If your doctor is still not sure or wants to be absolutely sure about the diagnosis, he/she may put you through some other tests including penile biothesiometry, dynamic infusion cavernosometry, arteriography and nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT).
Tips and warnings
- Your ED can be of a temporary nature or can be a more permanent one.
So, diagnosis is a must.
- Do not panic if you think you are suffering from ED.
It's important to go to the root of the problem.
- Do not be embarrassed about talking to your doctor about your condition.
It's your doctor who is going to help you diagnose your problem and suggest a treatment plan. - It's of paramount importance that you go through all the tests and examinations that the doctor asks you to.
This will ensure a proper diagnosis. - Do not get started on a treatment option without going through a comprehensive process of diagnosis.
Treatment for ED is typically based on the causes.
Diagnosis helps you identify the cause(s) and thus the prescribed treatment option takes cognizance of these causes.
SHARE
