Do you doubt whether you are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction? But then, is it that you are not sure about it? Are you confused about the exact problem?
Below mentioned are certain tests which will help you diagnose erectile dysfunction:-
Initially, your medical history will be reviewed. Medical history will include your past history; details regarding current medications, if any; information regarding your lifestyle and sexual activity; assessment of cardiovascular health; physical examination and psychological evaluation.
Details regarding your medical history are essential as this information will help the physician decide the type of test required for a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
Some of the common tests used for diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED) are:
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – CBC helps in assessing the blood count levels. Low blood count is generally linked with fatigue which may lead to erectile dysfunction.nosing abnormalities in urine such as sugar, protein, etc which may be linked with erectile dysfunction.nosing abnormalities in urine such as sugar, protein, etc which may be linked with erectile dysfunction.
• Blood Hormone Profile – This profile helps in assessing your testosterone levels, as abnormal male sex hormone can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Lipid Profile – Increased levels of lipid can lead to hardening of the arteries which can hinder adequate blood flow to the male sexual organ resulting in failure to achieve and sustain an erection.
• Liver and Kidney Function Test – This test facilitates to determine the health status of kidney and liver. Improperly functioning kidneys and liver may result in erectile dysfunction.
• Thyroid Function Test – Thyroid regulates production of sex hormones, malfunctioning of thyroid gland can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Duplex Ultrasound – Ultrasound helps to evaluate the blood supply, venous leak and other conditions that may affect erections.
• Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) – This test measures the number and strength of erections experienced while you are asleep. This test is conducted by using either the snap gauge, strain gauge or RigiScan tests. Snap gauge determines the strength of erection; Strain gauge measures the change in the girth of your sexual organ and RigiScan determines both the frequency and strength of the erection.
• Penile Biothesiometry – Electromagnetic vibrations are used to assess the nerve function and sensitivity.
• Dynamic infusion cavern osmometry – Helps in measuring the vascular pressure during an erection.
• Cavernosography – A dye is injected into the male sex organ to ascertain blood vessel abnormalities, blockages or leaks.
• Bulbocavernosus reflex – Assesses the nerve sensation in the male sexual organ. Squeezing the head of the penis causes contraction of the anus if nerve function is normal.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) Test – PSA levels in the blood are measured which indicate a prostate enlargement, infection or cancer that can complicate ED.
• Prostate examination – Enlarged prostate can interfere with blood supply and nerve impulses in the penis.
• Vasoactive injection– Certain solutions, when injected into the penis resulting in erection by dilating blood vessels. During this process, the penile pressure is measured.
• Penile Angiogram – Helps in visualizing the blood circulation in the penis.
• Digital Subtraction Angiography – Acquires digital images of the blood vessels of the penis.
• Magnetic resonance angiography – Utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to provide detailed images of the blood vessels of the penis.The above-mentioned tests can help you diagnose erectile dysfunction, which can help you treat the condition accordingly. It is essential to treat erectile dysfunction as treating ED shall help you lead a happy and satisfied sexual life.
This article is for information only and hence please visit your doctor for further information.
