How Do Doctors Test for Erectile Dysfunction?

1. Medical History

Doctors begin by asking about your:

• Symptoms: Duration and frequency of ED occurrences.
• Health Conditions: Presence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or endocrine disorders.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and stress levels.
• Medications: Current prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs.
• Psychological Health: Depression, anxiety, and relationship issues that could contribute to ED.

2. Physical Examination

The doctor conducts a thorough physical exam, including:

• Genital Exam: Inspecting the penis and testicles for abnormalities.
• Blood Pressure Check: Estimating circulation, as decreased blood supply can contribute to ED.
• Nerve Sensitivity Test: Evaluating sensation in the genital area.

3. Blood and Urine Tests

Laboratory tests help identify underlying health issues:

• Blood Tests: Monitoring testosterone (androgen) levels, blood glucose (diabetes), lipids (cholesterol), and heart disease markers.
• Urine Tests: Screening for diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

4. Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) Test

This test evaluates whether you experience erections during sleep:

• Procedure: A device is worn around the penis at night to track and time nocturnal erections.
• Purpose: Helps differentiate between physical and psychological causes of ED.

5. Ultrasound

Penile Doppler ultrasound is used to measure blood flow to the penis:

• Procedure: A small device measures penile arterial blood flow.
• Purpose: Identifies blockages or vascular issues.

6. Psychological Evaluation

When psychological factors are suspected, a psychological professional may assess:

• Stress Levels
• Depression or Anxiety
• Relationship Dynamics

7. Intracavernosal Injection Test

This involves introducing a drug to the penis to induce an erection:

• Purpose: Determines if blood flow is adequate for an erection.

8. Specialized Tests

In cases where necessary, more specific tests may be performed:

• Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry or Cavernosography: These tests provide a more complete understanding of vascular pathologies.

Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, specialized tests, and psychological evaluation. Depending on the suspected cause, further tests such as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) or ultrasound may be used to refine the diagnosis and tailor appropriate treatment.