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Home >> Men's Health >> Erectile Dysfunction >> Diagnosis
 Erectile Dysfunction - Diagnosis
Overview | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
It is important for the urologist to take a complete history of the patient's sexual difficulty, including factors that may make things better or worse. A physical exam sometimes reveals a problem that could contribute to erectile dysfunction. Laboratory evaluation, including blood and urine testing, can scan for some of the diseases that cause the condition. Specialized testing may be indicated, though these tests are not likely to affect the treatment decision. Men that have an elevated blood pressure, elevated serum lipids, or diabetes have an increased incidence of erectile dysfunction. This is because these three conditions adversely affect the elasticity of the penile smooth muscle tissue. When penile smooth muscle tissue that is located inside a pair of cylinders within the penis (called corpora cavernosa) is not able to expand enough to squeeze shut the veins that carry blood out of the penis, the penis ‘swells but doesn’t become firm’ and the erection is lost prematurely.
For a detailed overview of the diagnosis and treatment of male erectile dysfunction, click here for the American Urological Association’s clinical guidelines.
Peyronie’s Disease
When Peyronie’s disease is present, a physical examination of the penis will usually reveal a ‘plaque’ of scar tissue on the surface of one or both of the paired tubular structures inside the penis. The penis will curve toward the area of scar tissue since the scarred tissue is unable to expand like the rest of the penis. A patient may be asked to take a picture of their erection so the physician can assess the location and degree of penile curvature.
For further discussion about the diagnosis and management of Peyronie’s Disease, click here.
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