Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex medical condition that can be caused by a variety of problems with the body's organs and systems. While self-evaluation tests may provide an initial indication, they are inaccurate and cannot diagnose the condition. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor may use a nighttime erection test to see if you can get an erection.
This test is usually done by a specialist in an office setting and involves the use of a device in the form of a rod (transducer) that is placed on the blood vessels that supply the penis. The nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test is an erection self-test that can be done at home. It involves wrapping four to six postage stamps to determine if a man has erections strong enough to alter the location of the stamps while he sleeps. The doctor will check your penis and testicles to make sure that they look normal and that your nerves are working as expected.
Your healthcare provider may also check your heart and lung function to help determine the best course of action with regard to treatment. Once your doctor finds hormone deficiencies or health problems that could be causing the dysfunction, he can prescribe the necessary treatments or refer you to a urologist to help improve erectile function and sexual desire. Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health condition, you may have several treatment options. These include medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra; lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet; psychological counseling; and surgery.
Before taking any medications for erectile dysfunction, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies, consult your doctor. There are many myths and misconceptions about masturbation, including that it can cause erectile dysfunction. However, this is not true. In fact, masturbation can help improve sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the penis and helping men become more familiar with their bodies.
Finally, it is important to remember that erectile dysfunction is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. In fact, it is projected that by 2025, more than 322 million men worldwide will have some form of erectile dysfunction. Whether the cause is physical, psychological, or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can become a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner.
