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What to expect from a consultation about erectile dysfunction
Diagnosing ED / erection problems
Once you have made the decision to see your doctor about ED / erection problem, you may be wondering what to expect. To find the cause of your ED / erection problem and determine the best treatment choices for you, the standard initial evaluation may include a complete medical history, a physical examination to check your blood pressure etc, and lab tests. You might also want to consider asking your partner to attend the appointment with you so that you can solve the erection problem together.
Medical history
Your doctor will need to understand your complete medical history, which may include:
- Your sexual history and current sexual functioning
- Any previous or current health problems
- Current and past medications (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal)
- Whether you use alcohol, cigarettes or other recreational drugs
- Surgery or injuries to the pelvic area
- Stress factors
- Your lifestyle
- Your relationship with your partner
Physical examination
Your doctor may want to conduct a physical examination of the whole body, including examination of the genitals and the prostate.
Lab tests
For most men, a blood test is recommended to check for:
- Low levels of testosterone
- Elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar), a sign of diabetes
- Elevated levels of blood cholesterol and other lipids (fatty substances)
For men 50+, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may also be measured
The solution begins at the consultation
Doctors often tell of patients with ED who bring up the problem only as they are walking out of the door at the end of the appointment. Although it can be difficult, it is important to broach the subject of erection problems at the beginning of the consultation so that the doctor has time to do any necessary tests. After obtaining a medical history, and possibly performing a physical exam and taking lab tests, your doctor will review the findings with you and recommend any treatment choices or follow-up visits. In some cases, your doctor might recommend further specialised testing and/or referral to a specialist, such as an urologist.
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