Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

Detailed sexual history, physical examination, blood tests and other diagnostic tests help to diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction.

1. Patient medical/sexual history may reveal conditions or diseases that lead to impotence and helps distinguish among problems with erection, ejaculation, orgasm, or sexual desire.

2. Physical examination gives clues to the diagnosis of the cause of erectile dysfunction, for example-

A problem in the nervous system may be responsible if the penis does not respond as expected to touch.
Secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern, can point to hormonal problems.

An aneurysm may indicate the presence of a circulatory problem.
Unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the cause of the impotence.

3. Laboratory tests that help to diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction include blood counts, urinalysis, lipid profile, hormonal assays (thyroid, prolactin) and measurement of creatinine and liver enzymes. When low sexual desire is a symptom, measurement of testosterone in the blood can yield information about problems with the endocrine system.

4. Psychosocial examination helps reveal psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. The sexual partner also may be interviewed to determine expectations and perceptions encountered during sexual intercourse.

5. Diagnostic tests-

Bulbocavernosus reflex test- This test is used to determine if there is sufficient nerve sensation in the penis.
Duplex ultrasound- Vascular dilation and penile blood pressure can be measured using duplex ultrasound.
Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) – Normally, men have five to six erections during sleep, especially during rapid eye movement (REM). Their absence indicates a problem with nerve function or blood supply in the penis.
Penile Biothesiometry- Electromagnetic vibrations are used to evaluate sensitivity and nerve function in the glans and shaft of the penis.

Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry (DICC) - The vascular pressure in the corpus cavernosum during an erection can be measured with this test.
Corpus Cavernosometry- Measurement of the vascular pressure in the corpus cavernosum can be measured using this test.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) - This is similar to magnetic resonance imaging and provides detailed images of the blood vessels.

Published on Sep 26, 2014
Last Updated on Apr 17, 2018

KevinBradley Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Good Post

Virendra81 Tuesday, March 14, 2017

can it be taken if a patient is taking Etizolam, Escitalopram, Telmisatan and amlodipine tablets

gopal1937 Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Can older men around 80 take Caverta 100 mg. will it help them the proper erections and is it safe.

@Guest Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Hi, Older men around 80 or more can certainly take PDE5 inhibitor like Sildenafil. It is advisable to get examined by a qualified doctor, who could be a Sexologist or your MBBS Family Physician. Sildenafil [Brand name Caverta] cannot be taken if you are taking any medicines containing nitrates. Example: Sorbitrate is a medicine typically given for patients who have had angina. When on nitrates ingestion of sildenafil can lead to fatal drop in blood pressure. Doctor may like to check your Renal function tests, Liver function tests and also recommend a Stress test for assessing your Cardiac function. The point I make is age is not in itself contraindication. A smaller dose (example 50 mg) may be more appropriate. Please consult a qualified doctor before you take any prescription medicine. Best wishes, Happiness doctor, Ashok Koparday

jhonsoneric86 Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is a men sexual dysfunction problem n which men face difficulties in achieving or maintaining erections for longer. Along with this health illness men also face all other health complications related to sexual health.

assertmeds Thursday, July 9, 2015

Hello,
Great information posted here about erectile dysfunction. Generic Viagra is an effective medication that will help you to treat the issue of male impotence.