You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This will include an examination of the penis, testicles, and rectum. Be prepared to identify every medication you are taking. Medications account for a large number of erectile dysfunction cases. Expect questions about the frequency, quality, and duration of your erections. Your answers may help determine if the primary cause is physical or psychological in nature.
Tests will help narrow down the cause and may include:
Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosis. Updated July 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113875/E...tile-dysfunction. Updated December 15, 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Erectile dysfuntion. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/male-sexual-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction. Updated June 2017. Accessed March 9, 2018.
How is ED diagnosed? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosis. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ. Erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(10):820-827.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.