How to Determine If You Have Erectile Disfunction

An indication that a man has erectile dysfunction is the inability to have a firm erection 25 percent or more of the time, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most men experience some trouble with erections, and this many not be a problem. However, when it interferes persistently with your sex life, you may have erectile dysfunction. It is important to seek medical advice if erectile dysfunction is suspected because it may indicate the presence of another serious medical condition.

Instructions

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis

• 1

  Visit your doctor if you have repeated trouble maintaining an erection during sex. Your doctor can help identify the causes of your condition and will be able to detect underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

• 2

  Answer your doctor's questions about your sex life and emotional health, as well as about any medical conditions you might have or medications you are taking. According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), a doctor may also want to talk to your sex partner. The Mayo Clinic reports that your doctor may have you temporarily stop or change some of your medications to see if these are contributing to the condition. It is important to be honest with your doctor so that she has the best information to base a diagnosis.

• 3

  Submit to testing as recommended by your doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, this may include ultrasound to monitor blood flow; testing of the nerves in the area; dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC), a procedure using a colored dye to detect problems with blood flow performed with an anesthetic; and a nocturnal tumescence test to help determine if the man can get normal erections in non-sexual situations. According to the NKUDIC, other tests include examination to find physical or hormonal problems, and blood tests to check testosterone and other levels.