Impotence information

How is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Before erectile dysfunction is diagnosed, several steps should be taken to come up with an accurate diagnosis. It starts by taking your complete medical history. Information about your current medications, prior surgeries, past medical diagnoses, physical traumas and radiation exposures are obtained to form an objective opinion about your condition and possibly, to find the root cause of the problem. Stress factors and tensions at work and at home are explored. The patient’s psychological state is intensively assessed.

Specialized tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of ED. An ultrasound determines the adequacy of blood supply to the penis through the analysis of the emitted sound waves. To check for a possible damage of your nerves, a complete neurological evaluation is done by your physician. Dynamic infusion and cavernosometry and cavernosonography or DICC, is another accurate tool that analyzes the supply of blood to the penis through injection of a dye in the vessels that supply the male organ. The nocturnal turnescence test is indicated to determine if erectile dysfunction is caused by a physical problem or a psychological setback. A special perforated tape is wrapped around the penis before sleep to determine if erections have occurred during the night, which can be manifested by the separation of tape in the morning. Normally, men without erectile dysfunctions have numerous erections during sleep.

What are Your Treatment Options?

A variety of treatment options are available for ED. Conservative management includes the use of medications. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and alpostradil (Caverject), a synthetic prostaglandin hormone are the most commonly used drugs to treat ED. These drugs promote relaxation of the muscles in the penis, increasing the amount of blood flow, which encourages erections.

A penis pump can effectively cause erections by functioning as a vacuum to draw blood into the penis. In cases where blockages of the blood vessels that supply the penis occur, a vascular surgery is indicated. Penile implants are also used to manage impotence. These implants allow you to have erections, wherever and whenever.

If ED has a psychological origin, your physician may suggest that you and your partner visit a psychologist or counselor with years of experience in sexual problem management (sex therapist). Even if it is caused by something physical, erectile dysfunction can create stress and tensions in relationships. Counseling can be of great help, most especially if you and your partner go through it all together.

The cause and severity of your condition are important factors in determining the best treatment approach for you. It is best that you visit your physician and avoid self – medication.