User:Bschen12/sandbox

Diagnosis[edit]

In many cases, the diagnosis can be made based on the person's history of symptoms. In other cases, a physical examination and laboratory investigations are done to rule out more serious causes such as hypogonadism or prolactinoma.^[1]

One of the first steps is to distinguish between physiological and psychological ED. Determining whether involuntary erections are present is important in eliminating the possibility of psychogenic causes for ED.^[1]Obtaining full erections occasionally, such as nocturnal penile tumescencewhen asleep (that is, when the mind and psychological issues, if any, are less present), tends to suggest that the physical structures are functionally working.^[20][21] Similarly, performance with manual stimulation, as well as any performance anxiety or acute situational ED, may indicate a psychogenic component to ED.^[1]

Other factors leading to ED are diabetes mellitus, which is a well-known cause of neuropathy).^[1] ED is also related to generally poor physical health, poor dietary habits, obesity, and most specifically cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.^[1]Screening for cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, dyslipidemia,hypertension, and alcoholism is helpful.^[1]

In some particular cases, the simple search for a previously undetected groin hernia can prove useful since it can affect sexual functions in men and is relatively easily curable.^[14]

The current diagnostic and statistical manual of mental diseases (DSM-IV) has included a listing for ED.

There is a questionnaire that patients can fill out that allows clinicians to determine the severity of erectile dysfunction as well as the treatment options available. This is known as the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).