Confirming Erectile Dysfunction: Tests and Diagnosis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex medical condition that can be caused by a variety of problems with the body's organs and systems. It is estimated that by 2025, more than 322 million men worldwide will have some form of ED. To effectively diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history, your sexual history, or your relationship with your sexual partner. A penile ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create images that help diagnose ED.

Most of the time, a technician performs a Doppler ultrasound at the doctor's office or in an outpatient facility. The technician runs a portable device slightly over the penis to measure blood flow. Men usually have 3 to 5 erections during the night while they sleep, so your doctor may use a nighttime erection test to see if you can get an erection. In some cases, additional tests are required.

During the physical exam, the doctor will listen to the heart and check blood pressure for any abnormalities, such as heart murmurs, that may affect blood flow to the penis. It may be uncomfortable to have a physical exam, but remember that your doctor is a trained professional who is willing to help you. The more your doctor knows, the better your treatment will be. Your doctor may ask you questions about your mental health to detect depression, stress, and anxiety, since all of these factors can affect erectile function. If you or your loved one are seeking treatment for ED, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or discouraged.

In any case, this device is issued by a doctor, so be sure to consult it first to get a proper diagnosis of ED before purchasing it. The following are some of the tests that can be done when you are tested for ED:

  • Doppler ultrasound
  • Nighttime erection test
  • Penile ultrasound
  • Physical exam
  • Mental health assessment
If stress or anxiety is causing your ED, your doctor may recommend counseling as the first line of treatment. If hormone deficiencies or health problems are found 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. It is possible to self-diagnose ED. However, consulting your family doctor or urologist can help identify the specific cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment for your lifestyle and medical history. Be prepared to answer your urologist questions similar to those you would ask your regular healthcare provider, including details about your medical history and symptoms. While this practice has been used for a long time, it is not always accurate in determining the presence or absence of ED.

Results often require further testing for ED to obtain a clearer assessment of the patient's diagnosis. If you think you have erectile dysfunction (ED), all your doctor needs is a physical exam and a discussion of your medical history to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. While one can suffer from the symptoms associated with this erectile disorder, it's not uncommon for many to hide their condition out of discomfort and embarrassment. However, to get treatment, you'll have to go through the same thing as any other man with symptoms of ED to get tested for ED. A survey says that more than 50 percent of people with ED problems during sexual intercourse as a couple have no problem viewing pornography. If you have problems with ED or premature ejaculation, call the team at Prestige Men's Medical Center in Tampa now to schedule an appointment for a consultation with an experienced and specially trained medical staff.

Lola Matthews
Lola Matthews

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