There are several steps in diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED). It starts with a consultation with your urologist to discuss your medical history and sexual history. Afterward, mental health and physical exams will be conducted by your doctor, which will be followed by some laboratory tests. Advanced tests may also be necessary depending on your situation.
Medical Consultation
Knowing your medical and sexual history is the first step for a doctor to determine if you have ED. Your doctor will use this opportunity to ask you for an overview of your medical history, sex life, and lifestyle through the following:
- Questions regarding erections and sexual intercourse
- Questions regarding the appearance of the penis
- Inquiry on previous medical procedures
- Inquiry on whether you smoke and drink
- Details on medications you regularly take
The information obtained from this discussion will help your doctor determine if you have symptoms of ED and any possible causes.
Mental and Physical Exams
There are certain cases in which mental and emotional stress affect ED. Therefore, your doctor or another health care professional may ask you personal questions to determine if it is a factor in causing or exacerbating your ED. This will include questions on your work and home lives as well as how you cope with stress, anxiety, and emotions.
Aside from the psychological part of the exam, your doctor will also perform a physical exam. He or she will check your:
- Blood pressure
- Penis (to check for sensitivity and abnormal appearance)
- Pulse in the ankles and wrists (to see if there is a problem with circulation)
- Breasts (for any abnormal enlargement)
- Body for extra hair (which can signal hormonal problems)
Laboratory Tests
ED is often associated with different medical conditions—hypertension, spinal cord compression, diabetes, pituitary tumors, and coronary artery disease. Therefore, your doctor may conduct various laboratory tests to determine if one of these is playing a role. These tests will include:
- Prolactin level test
- Lipid profile
- Fasting blood glucose test
- Serum creatinine test
- Urine test
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Morning serum testosterone test
Advanced Tests
If the procedures above are not enough to determine the causes of your ED, your doctor may suggest for you to get other advanced tests done. Some examples include:
- Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) Test
- Pharmacologic Cavernosometry and Cavernosography
- Color Doppler Ultrasound
- Combined Intracavernous Injection and Stimulation (CIS) Test
If you suspect you may have ED, the best thing to do is see a urologist. Your urologist will be there to guide you every step of the way as you seek treatment for ED. Urologists have medical school education and years of experience diagnosing and treating ED problems. While it may be overwhelming to understand the process as a patient, a well-experienced urologist will be able to diagnose and treat you with ease.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Phoenix, Arizona
If you are looking for the best urologist for your ED, make an appointment with Ironwood Urology’s Dr. Desiderio Avila Jr., MD. Dr. Avila and the entire team at Ironwood Urology will make sure to help you deal with your ED in an effective and efficient way. To inquire about our services or make an appointment, call (480) 961-2323 or book an appointment online.
