Diagnostic Procedure for Erectile Dysfunction
Due to the numerous potential underlying causes of erectile dysfunction, a doctor will typically ask a great deal of questions in order to make an accurate diagnosis. A physician will order a battery of blood tests to rule out all other potential causes of erectile dysfunction and corroborate the presence of erectile dysfunction. Among other things, certain diagnostic tests can check for the physical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes, heart disease, and low testosterone levels. In order to diagnose erectile dysfunction, the physician may also conduct a physical examination, including an examination of the genitalia. Before confirming the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction requiring treatment, a physician will also check for symptoms that have persisted for at least three months.
After establishing the patient’s complete medical history, the doctor will conduct additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. If the cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological rather than physical, or vice versa, a common and simple test known as the postage stamp test is incredibly helpful in determining this. The postage stamp test determines the number of nocturnal erections by observing the number of times that postage stamps placed around the penis fall off prior to slumber. In addition to the snap-gauge and the potency test, the nocturnal erection can also be determined with the snap-gauge and the potency test. These tests provide limited information, but are useful in selecting a physician to conduct additional tests.
Several stages, including a physical examination, sexual history, and general medical history, may be required to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Described below are some diagnostic tests used to corroborate the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction:
Examining the body
A doctor will listen to the patient’s lungs and heart as part of a physical examination to corroborate the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. In addition, the doctor will examine the genitalia and testicles of each patient and determine their blood pressure levels. Some physicians may also recommend a rectal exam to evaluate the prostate.