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Erectile
dysfunction (ED) test
Erectile
dysfunction is diagnosed by assessing patient’s history, through
physical examination and finally some lab tests.
ED diagnosis
from Patients history
While
a simple recounting of sexual activity might distinguish among problems
with sexual desire, erection, ejaculation, or orgasm.
ED diagnosis by Physical Exam
- If the
penis is not sensitive to touching -
nervous system problems.
- Problems
of secondary sex (sexual maturity distinguish one gender to other)hair
growth, breast enlargement, etc - hormonal problems (endocrine system).
- Circulatory
problem - decreased pulses in the
wrist or ankles.
- Physical
(penis) - that bends or curves when
erect (Peyronie's disease).
- If
nocturnal erections (involuntary erections during sleep) do not occur,
then ED is likely to have a physical rather than psychological cause.
Lab ED tests
Blood
counts, urinalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of creatinine and
liver enzymes. Measuring the amount of free testosterone in the blood
can yield information about problems with the endocrine system and is
indicated especially in patients with decreased sexual desire.
- Blood
tests measure hormone levels, cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and
kidney function, thyroid function and levels of other sex hormones.
- CBC–Complete
blood count (CBC) of red cells and white cells is used to examine
anemia, it cause fatigue and general malaise. The level of blood lipids
(fats) may indicate arteriosclerosis, which can reduce blood flow to
the penis causing erection problems.
- Liver and
kidney function
tests helps to find any Liver or kidney disease can contribute to
hormonal imbalances, which may results in ED.
- Thyroid
function
tests to find any thyroid hormonal abnormality, which regulate
metabolism and sex hormone production; a deficiency may result
impotence.
- Urinalysis
to measure levels of protein
(albumin),
glucose (sugar), and hormone testosterone. High levels of protein
indicated kidney disease, high level of glucose indicate diabetes and
low level of testosterone may cause ED.
- Erectile
function tests to asses erectile by
examining the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and tissues of the penis.
- Duplex
ultrasound is used to diagnose blood flow, venous leak,
artherosclerosis, and calcification of erectile tissue. This test is
performed by inducing erection by injecting prostaglandin (hormone-like
stimulator).
- Nocturnal
penile tumescence (NPT), It is normal
for a man to have 5 to 6 erections each lost for 30 minutes with an in
between gap of 90 minutes during sleep, particularly during rapid eye
movement (REM). Their absence may be due to nerve function or blood
supply problems in the penis.
- Bulbocavernosus
reflex test is
performed to access nerve sensation in the penis. The physician presses
the glans (head) of the penis, which immediately causes the anus to
contract if nerve function is normal. If there is any abnormality
suspected then specific nerve tests are suggested for further
evaluation.
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