Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis

An erectile dysfunction diagnosis is made after the healthcare provider asks certain questions, performs a physical exam, and reviews the results of tests. Tests used in making an erectile dysfunction diagnosis include blood counts, urinalysis, and lipid profiles. To make an erectile dysfunction diagnosis, the healthcare provider may also order a psychosocial examination (which uses an interview and a questionnaire) to reveal any psychological factors.

 

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: An Overview

In order to make an erectile dysfunction diagnosis, the doctor will likely:
 
  • Ask a number of questions about your history
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Order some tests.

 

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: Your Patient History

Medical and sexual histories help determine the degree and cause of erectile dysfunction. Your medical history can identify diseases that lead to erectile dysfunction, while a simple discussion of sexual activity with your doctor might reveal problems with:
 
  • Sexual desire
  • Erection
  • Ejaculation
  • Orgasm.
     
Using certain prescription or illegal drugs can also be one of the causes of erectile dysfunction. In fact, drug effects account for 25 percent of erectile dysfunction cases. Cutting back on or substituting certain medications can often alleviate the problem.
 

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: The Physical Examination

A physical examination can give your doctor clues to systemic problems. For example, if the penis is not sensitive to touch, there may be a problem with your nervous system. Abnormal secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern or breast enlargement, can point to hormonal problems, which would mean that the endocrine system is involved. Your doctor can determine if a circulatory problem is causing erectile dysfunction by observing decreased pulses in the wrist or ankles. And unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the source of the problem -- for example, a penis that bends or curves when erect could be the result of Peyronie's disease.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD