Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis

Since there are many potential causes for erectile dysfunction, your physician may want to be comprehensive in his or her investigation. This could mean an exploration of your medical history and a check of your physical and mental condition.

Your doctor may ask questions about your medical past and your sexual past. These accounts may provide clues that indicate the root cause of your erectile dysfunction.

Questions Your Doctor May Ask 

According to the Mayo Clinic, some questions you might expect include:

• What other health problems or chronic conditions do you have?
• Have you had any other sexual problems?
• Have you had any changes in sexual desire?
• Do you get erections during masturbation, with a partner, or while you sleep?
• Are there any problems in your relationship with your sexual partner?
• Does your partner have any sexual problems?
• Are you anxious, depressed, or under stress?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition? If so, do you currently take any medications or get psychological counseling (psychotherapy) for it?
• When did you first begin noticing sexual problems?
• Do your erectile problems occur only sometimes, often, or all of the time?
• What medications do you take, including any herbal remedies or supplements?
• Do you drink? If so, how much?
• Do you use any illicit drugs?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Questions for Your Doctor

Mayo Clinic also has suggestions for some questions you may want to ask which include:

• What is most likely causing my erection problems?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• Is my erectile dysfunction most likely temporary or chronic?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?