What to Expect at Your Doctor Visit

Your first visit: Diagnosing erectile dysfunction

The doctor can diagnose and treat Ed easily in one visit but it is important for you to have follow up visits so that you can discuss about the results. It will also make sure that you have understood your condition. Your partner can also be involved in this treatment. It is important for you to consult with urologist or endocrinologist although doctor might be able to diagnose and treat your erectile dysfunction effectively. The doctor will confirm the diagnosis of ED to access the severity of your problem. The treatable conditions will be identified according to the erectile problems. The basic assessment will help men to find the treatments while testing can also be done.  

The physical examination will be performed by the doctor to check blood flow circulation, rectal exam, penis exam and neurologist exam. The doctor can ask you about your medical history and other questions like:

  • Were you able to achieve and maintain your erection in the past?
  • Have you any problem in achieving and maintain erection?
  • Is there erection during sleep?
  • How long you are having erection difficulty?
  • What kind of medications you are taking?
  • Do you smoke and in what quantity?
  • What is your daily alcohol intake?
  • Do you have surgery recently?
  • Have you used vascular surgery or other treatments for blood vessels?
  • Are you feeling depressed?
  • Do you have stress feelings or worried about something?
  • Is there decrease in your energy level?
  • Do you have good sleep?
  • What kind of symptoms do you have?
  • Is there any change in sensation in your penis?
  • Do you have urination problems?
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Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood tests
  • Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)
  • Neurological (nerve) testing
  • Penile ultrasound
  • Rigidity monitoring
  • Psychometric testing
  • Urine analysis

The treatment can be according to the type and cause of ED. There are different treatment options available to you including injection, oral medications, vacuum devices, medicines inserted in urethra and surgery. If you have erection difficulties then Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are prescribed by the doctors for ED due to psychological and physical problems. These drugs are called PDE5 inhibitors. You have to be careful about these drugs as there can be some side effects of these drugs as well especially if you have severe heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes, recent stroke, uncontrolled hypertension and low blood pressure. Skin patches, injections, vacuum devices and topical gels can be used if these pills don’t work. Herbs dietary supplements can also be used for sexual performance.