Erectile dysfunction (ED) is treatable in almost every case. The first step is to discuss the condition with a urologist. Urologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating ED and they can discuss and recommend a treatment path.

To find out what is causing the erectile dysfunction, the urologist will perform a physical examination and take a detailed sexual history. Diagnostic testing for ED can help determine the cause of the problem and find the right treatment for patients.

Examinations

• A physical exam will allow the urologist to determine if the blood vessels, nerves and tissues of the penis are working normally.
• The urologist will be checking for any physical abnormalities, such as Peyronie's Disease. To review other causes of erectile dysfunction, click here
• The urologist will need to review the sexual history of a patient in order to understand when and under what circumstances the erectile dysfunction occurs.

In addition, a urologist will generally:

• Review medical history for previous injuries or surgeries to the pelvic area, which could have caused nerve damage to the genital area.
• Perform a digital rectal exam to evaluate the condition of the prostate gland. Prostate problems can cause a disruption of the blood flow and nerve sensations to the penis.
• Run common diagnostic and blood tests.

Common Tests for Erectile Dysfunction

• Blood Tests and Urine Analysis—These tests are used to measure hormone levels, cholesterol and triglycerides (to detect hardening of the arteries), and liver and kidney function. A blood glucose test may also be requested to detect diabetes mellitus.
• Penile Blood Flow Studies—Additional tests may be done to determine how effectively the blood flows into the penis. With injection testing, a drug is injected into the penis, increasing penile blood flow and bypassing penile nerves. If the blood vessels of the penis are healthy, this injection should produce an erection. Another tool is sleep monitoring to record the number of times an erection occurs during sleep. A normal healthy male will have three to four erections while sleeping. An absence of nighttime erections may indicate that the nerve or blood supply to the penis is not adequate.