How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man is unable to keep a firm enough erection to take part in sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can be part of a larger medical issue, or it may be caused by a lack of sexual desire or nervousness. Erectile dysfunction is believed to affect over 30 million men in the United States (Medical News Today, 19 July 2008).

Causes

There are a few different causes of erectile dysfunction. The most common is nerve damage: Diabetes, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease and any other disease that affects the nerves can cause erectile dysfunction. Medical procedures, such as surgery, can also inadvertently create nerve damage, causing ED. Side effects of both illicit and legal drugs may also cause symptoms of ED. Both mental and physical health also contribute to problems with ED. Men who lead a low-stress, low-fat, high-exercise lifestyle are much less likely to experience problems with erection. Problems with hormone levels may also cause some cases of erectile dysfunction.

Diagnosis by History

The first path to diagnosis is taking a close look at a patient's medical as well as psychological history. Since many medical and psychological disorders count erectile dysfunction among their side effects, a quick look into a patient's history can help shorten the search for a cause of ED.

Diagnosis by Medical Exam

If there is nothing in the medical or psychological history of the patient to give reason for erectile dysfunction, the next avenue of diagnosis is a medical exam. Observing the patient's pulse, hair growth, penis sensitivity or penis shape and curve can help a physician better understand what may be causing ED.

Diagnosis by Laboratory Tests

Testing in either the science lab or the sleep lab can help diagnose erectile dysfunction. Tests on blood, urine, fat and enzymes can help determine what diseases or disorders may be causing ED. Tests performed in a sleep lab can observe nocturnal erections to determine whether the ED is caused by a psychological or medical issue.

Diagnosis by Psychological Evaluation

If no physical reason is found for erectile dysfunction, a mental evaluation may reveal a psychological reason. Anxiety, fear, depression and stress can all contribute to problems in achieving erection. A psychological evaluation may help uncover these reasons and diagnose the best course of treatment.

Resources

• Additional Information on Erectile Dysfunction