Diagnosis
How's ED diagnosed?
Diagnostic procedures for ED may include the following:
Medical/Sexual History
May reveal conditions or diseases that lead to impotence and helps distinguish among problems with erection, ejaculation, orgasm, or sexual desire.
Physical Exam
To look for evidence of systemic problems, such as the following: nervous system, circulatory problems
A problem in the nervous system may be involved if the penis does not respond as expected to certain touching.
Secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern, can point to hormonal problems, which involves the endocrine system.
Circulatory problems could be indicated by an aneurysm.
Unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the basis of the impotence.
Laboratory Tests
To help diagnose impotence include blood counts, urinalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes. When low sexual desire is a symptom, measurement of testosterone in the blood can yield information about problems with the endocrine system.
Psychological Exam
To help reveal psychological factors. The sexual partner also may be interviewed to determine expectations and perceptions encountered during sexual intercourse.