Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction

Because there are a variety of causes of erectile dysfunction, there are several different tests your doctor may use to diagnose the condition and determine its cause. Only after the cause of ED is determined can it be effectively treated.

Before ordering any tests, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. The doctor will also "interview" you about your personal and sexual history. Some of these questions will be very personal and may feel intrusive. However, it is important that you answer these questions honestly. The questions asked may include:

What medications or drugs are you currently using? This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and illegal drugs or alcohol.

Have you had any psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression?

When did you first notice symptoms of ED?

What are the frequency, quality, and duration of any erections you have had?

What are the specifics of the circumstances under which ED first occurred?

Do/did you experience erections at night or during the morning?

What sexual techniques do you use?

Are there problems in your current relationship?

Do you have more than one sexual partner?

If you have more than one partner, do you experience ED with one or both?

The doctor may also wish to interview your sexual partner since your partner may be able to offer in sight about the underlying causes.

After your exam and interview, your doctor may then order any one of the following tests:

  

Complete blood count (CBC): This is a set of blood tests that, among other things, can detect the presence of anemia. Anemia is caused by a low red blood cell count and can cause fatigue, which in turn can cause ED.

Liver and kidney function tests: These blood tests may indicate whether ED may be due to your kidneys or liver functioning improperly.

Lipid profile: This blood test measures the level of lipids (fats), like cholesterol. High levels may indicate atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can affect blood circulation in the penis.

Thyroid function test: One of the thyroid hormones' functions is to regulate the production of sex hormones, and a deficiency in these hormones may contribute to or cause ED.

Blood hormone studies: Testosterone and/or prolactin levels in the blood may be measured to see if abnormalities in either of these sex hormones are present.

Urinalysis: Analysis of urine can provide a wealth of information, including information on protein, sugar, and testosterone levels. Abnormal measurements of these substances can indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or a testosterone deficiency, all of which can cause ED.

Duplex ultrasound:  An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to take "pictures" of the body's tissues. For people with ED, an ultrasound may be used to evaluate blood flow and check for signs of a venous leak, artherosclerosis, or tissue scarring. This test is performed both while the penis is erect (usually induced by an injection of a drug that stimulates erection) and also while it is soft.

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT): This test measures a man's erectile function while he is sleeping. Normally, a man will have five or six erections while asleep. A lack of these erections may indicate there is a problem with nerve function or circulation to the penis. The test can be performed using several different methods, including the snap gauge method and the strain gauge method. The snap gauge method is performed by wrapping three plastic bands of varying strength around the penis. Erectile function is then measured based on which of the three bands breaks. The strain gauge method works by placing elastic bands around the tip and base of the penis. If the penis becomes erect during the night, the bands stretch, measuring the changes in penile circumference. Another method uses a RigiScan electronic device, where loops are placed around the tip and base of the penis, providing continuous monitoring of erectile events. 

Penile biothesiometry: This test involves the use of electromagnetic vibration to determine sensitivity and nerve function. A decreased sensitivity to these vibrations may indicate nerve damage.

Vasoactive injection: During this test, an erection is produced by injecting special solutions that cause the blood vessels to dilate (enlarge), allowing blood to enter the penis.

Dynamic infusion cavernosometry: This test is used for men with ED who have a venous leak. During this test, fluid is pumped into the penis at a predetermined rate. By measuring the rate at which fluid must be pumped to attain a rigid erection, doctors can determine the severity of the venous leak.

Cavernosography: Used in conjunction with the dynamic infusion cavernosometry, this test involves injecting a dye into the penis. The penis is then X-rayed so that the venous leak can be seen.

Arteriography: This test is given to people who are candidates for vascular reconstructive surgery. A dye is injected into the artery believed to be damaged and X-rays are taken.

Bulbocavernosus reflex: This test evaluates nerve sensation in the penis. During the test, your doctor will squeeze the head of your penis, which should immediately cause your rectum to contract. If nerve function is abnormal, there will be a delay in response time or absence of rectal contraction.

PSA: This test may be abnormal due to prostate enlargement or infection, which may complicate ED.

Before you are given any of these tests, your doctor will explain what is involved. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

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Erectile Dysfunction and Vascular Disease

Vascular diseases affect blood vessels. They restrict blood flow to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. In erectile dysfunction, vascular diseases restrict blood flow to the penis. Vascular diseases may be responsible for causing ED in as many as 50% to 70% of men who develop the condition.

Restriction of blood flow caused by a vascular disease is usually caused by a buildup of cholesterol and other substances that may block blood vessels. In some men, the blood vessels in the penis, and the rest of the body, may not function properly. They may restrict blood flow when they're not supposed to. The good news is that lifestyle measures and drug treatments typically work for types of vascular disease that can cause erectile dysfunction.

Conditions Associated With Vascular Disease and Erectile Dysfunction

The following conditions are associated with vascular disease and clogged arteries.

Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries in the heart)

High blood pressure

Diabetes

High cholesterol

Obesity

Peripheral vascular disease -- This disease particularly affects blood vessels that supply blood to the legs.

If you have one of these conditions, it's more likely that a problem with the blood vessels in your penis may cause erectile dysfunction.

Also, smoking greatly increases the change of developing clogged arteries and vascular disease. If you have erectile dysfunction, quitting smoking can help.

What Is a Venous Leak?

Your penis must store blood to keep an erection. If the veins in the penis cannot prevent blood from leaving the penis during an erection, you'll lose your erection. This is called venous leak. Venous leakage may occur with vascular disease. Venous leakage is also associated with diabetes, Peyronie's disease (buildup of scar tissue in the penis that leads to curved, painful erections), certain nerve conditions, and even severe anxiety.

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