What tests are used to diagnose erectile dysfunction?
Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction typically begins with a medical history and physical examination, including blood pressure measurement and examination of the penis and testes. Blood tests are a core component, measuring testosterone, lipid levels, glucose, and other hormonal markers to identify underlying health conditions. Advanced diagnostic tests such as duplex ultrasound (to assess blood flow), sleep monitoring (to detect nocturnal erections), penile injection tests (to evaluate erectile capacity), and questionnaires like the IIEF-5 may be used when initial findings are unclear or to guide treatment decisions.
Key points:
- Routine blood tests measure testosterone, cholesterol, glucose, and other hormones to identify metabolic or hormonal causes
- Physical examination includes assessment of blood pressure, the penis, testes, and sometimes a rectal examination
- Duplex ultrasound evaluates blood flow through the penile arteries and veins to detect vascular problems
- Specialised tests like sleep monitoring and penile injection tests help distinguish between physical and psychological causes
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.