Erectile Dysfunction

A healthcare provider can diagnose ED and determine its cause. They’ll review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask you questions about your personal and sexual history. These questions may make you feel embarrassed or awkward. But it’s important to be honest with the provider in order to quickly determine the cause. The questions may include:

• Are you currently taking any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements and nonmedical drugs?
• Has a healthcare provider ever diagnosed you with depression or anxiety?
• Do you often feel stressed?
• Are you experiencing any relationship problems?
• How often are you able to get erections?
• How hard are your erections?
• How long are you able to maintain an erection?
• Do you lose your erection because you ejaculate sooner than you would like?
• When did you first notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
• What exactly happened when you first had erectile dysfunction symptoms?
• Do or did you experience erections at night or during the morning?
• What sexual positions do you regularly engage in?

The provider may also ask to talk with your sexual partner. Your partner may be able to offer additional insight on potential causes.

The provider may order tests to confirm their diagnosis and determine the cause of your ED.

What tests will be done to diagnose erectile dysfunction?

It depends on what your healthcare provider suspects is causing erectile dysfunction. Your provider may order:

• Blood tests.
• Complete blood count (CBC).
• Lipid panel.
• Liver function tests.
• Kidney function tests.
• Thyroid tests.
• Testosterone test.
• Urinalysis (urine test).
• Penile Doppler ultrasound.
• Tests that measure if the nerves in your penis respond to vibrations (penile biothesiometry).
• Drugs that temporarily make your penis erect (vasoactive injection).
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).

Before testing, your provider will explain what’s involved with a test and answer any questions you have. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can decide not to do the test at any time.