How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed? Typically through an easy conversation. Erectile dysfunction is usually a clinical diagnosis made when a patient reports difficulty achieving an erection strong enough for satisfactory sexual performance. There are so many factors involved in getting and maintaining a healthy erection, that ED can be due to several common causes. A careful history can shed light on any risk factors present and help guide treatment options.
Process of Elimination
Erectile dysfunction is common. 50% or more of men experience ED at some point in life. Getting an erection requires several intricate steps to ultimately achieve the goal, and this process doesn’t always go according to plan.
Your body and your mind have to be in sync for all to go right, and a lot of things can throw this off. A process of elimination can help figure out what might be causing the issue.
Contacting our board-certified urologist, Dr. Edward Sanchez for an appointment in Houston, TX is your first step toward getting the answers.
The causes of ED can be due to physical/medical ailments, mental/psychological issues, medications, and substances, or a combination of causes.
Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: The Physical Test
Your urologist will begin by taking your medical history and asking lots of questions.
Blood tests and a physical exam can help indicate any physical issues that can cause ED such as the following:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- Low testosterone
Any of these can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Several of these physical problems can affect blood flow throughout your body. This, in turn, can be a significant cause of ED.
Dr. Sanchez may also suggest other tests to learn more about your blood flow.
For example, an Ultrasound is a test used to show blood flow in the penis and can be used to figure out if blood flow is abnormal. These tests may be used to help solve difficult cases.
Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: Emotional and Mental Issues
One head can affect the other!
Depression, stress, and anxiety can all contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Making sure to screen for issues such as major life stressors, anxiety, and depression is important when talking about ED.
Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: Other Risk Factors
ED can also be the first sign of other concerning health issues such as heart and vascular disease. Screening for risk factors is important when ED is present.
Habits such as smoking, drinking to excess, lack of exercise, and use of recreational drugs can also contribute to ED.
Isnt it “normal” to have ED when your “old”? While ED becomes more common as we age, that doesnt mean you cant enjoy a healthy sex life as you get older. Improving lifestyle and overall health can help achieve this goal.
There may not be only one cause of ED, but a combination of factors.
Getting a thorough evaluation from a urologist like Dr. Sanchez in Willowbrook and Woodlands, TX will help identify the cause and provide direction on which treatment option is best for you.
Contact board-certified urologist, Dr. Edward Sanchez at (281) 351-5174 to schedule an appointment for tests and treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Sources:
ED Tests: (Blood, Rigidity) Used By Urologists to Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction (webmd.com)
Erectile dysfunction – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
