Most men experience inability to achieve erection from time to time but such single failures are unlikely to be treated as erectile dysfunction. Therefore the history of symptoms and your personal experiences is included into the diagnosis of impotence.
To identify the cause of erectile dysfunction and choose the proper treatment a number of tests and examinations are performed by professionals. First of all you history of diseases and physical well being will be examined as well as your psychological condition. One test is never enough to identify impotence as multiple causes of erectile dysfunction may be present.
Overall medical examination is performed to indicate any neurological, vascular or hormonal diseases. The thing here is that if any of the mentioned is present you can’t get rid of impotence without eliminating these diseases. You will be treated directly for these diseases and hence for impotence.
Laboratory tests are required to identify the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction.
Blood tests measure the level of cholesterol, hormone, blood sugar, liver, kidney and thyroid functioning to make sure these are not the reason for impotence. Then the number of red cells and white cells is counted to remove anemia from the list. Any vascular diseases may make the inflow of blood to the penis insufficient and hence stop the erection.
Liver, kidney and thyroid release important hormones and regulate metabolism. Malfunction of these organs may lead to hormonal imbalance and inability to get erection.
Urine is analyzed for the level of testosterone, sugar and protein in the blood.
Several tests may be performed to examine the condition of the penile tissues, muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
Ultrasound is used to determine the blood flow, the penile blood pressure, to evaluate scarring of erectile tissue, etc.
Penis is checked for sensitivity. Penile nerve function is examined by squeezing the glans of the penis and making several measurements. Nerve tests are performed to identify how the penis reacts to stimulation and touching.
Several nocturnal penile erections are natural for a man and if they happen the cause of erectile dysfunction is rather psychological then physiological. To measure and count nocturnal erections plastic elastic bands are wrapped around the penis or placed at the base and tip of the penis. The bands stretch during nocturnal erections and measure them.
