How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Erectile dysfunction or ED is a frustrating condition that can affect men of different ages. A number of factors can cause a bout of erectile dysfunction, and the condition can last for days, months or years. A professional would have to diagnose the problem for the male to learn the appropriate treatment methods. Medical professionals use a number of strategies for diagnosing erectile dysfunction. The following contains some information on such a diagnosis:

Contacting a Professional

The first step in having erectile dysfunction diagnosed is making an appointment with specialists. Many men are nervous about this step in the process. Having a supportive mate and access to updated information can help to make the male feel secure about getting help.

Any male can have a problem with erectile dysfunction, and the cause of the problem can vary. The cause of ED could be a psychological condition such as depression or anxiety. Erectile dysfunction can come about because of temporary medications and treatments. Additionally, a male may have a case of ED because of an underlying condition such as diabetes.

Receiving a diagnosis as quickly as possible can increase the male’s chances of recovering from the condition. The first step is contacting a reliable medical professional who can start the diagnosis process.

Medical History and Physical Exam

The first thing that a concerned medical specialist will do is ask the patient a series of questions. The specialists will want to know if the patient’s lifestyle had anything to do with his current condition. Lifestyle habits such as drinking, taking drugs and smoking cigarettes can cause a person to have difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection. The specialist will want to know if there is a family history of diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, deep vein thrombosis and other illnesses that may affect blood flow. Additionally, the specialist will ask if the patient is taking any prescription medications that may be affecting his erections.

The doctor will then conduct a physical examination. During the physical examination, he or she will check vital statistics such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. The specialist will listen to the lungs and check for breathing problems, as well.

Specialized Tests

If the physical exam and the medical history do not point to the possible cause of ED, the doctor will move to extensive testing. The testing process may include a urinalysis, blood test, ultrasound, liver and kidney function test, thyroid test and more. Other tests that a physician may order are a nocturnal penile tumescence test, a vasoactive injection test or a penile biothesiometry. Specialists come up with solutions based on the cause of the problem. Therefore, the diagnosis must true and correct. A solution for erectile dysfunction may include medications that improve blood flow, psychotherapy or device prescription and installation. In the worst cases, a male may need to have permanent surgery. A seasoned expert can help to solve many cases before the need for surgery arises, however.