Glossary On Diagnosis

A proper medical history and physical evaluation are very vital in diagnosing male sexual dysfunction. In addition, the physician may perform certain basic tests to rule out medical problems that may the cause of the dysfunction. An opinion of a urologist, an endocrinologist, a neurologist and sex therapist may be required based on the evaluation made by the physician.

Some of the common tests for diagnosing male sexual dysfunction include (but are not limited to):

• Testosterone levels
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels
• Blood tests to rule out diabetes, thyroid disorders, lipid disorders, etc.
• Psychological evaluation may be required to rule out depression, anxiety disorders, etc.

Certain cases may require advanced tests such as:

• Ultrasonography (USG / ultrasound): To check the blood flow to the penis
• Dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC): A specialized procedure that uses a dye injected into the penis to check for any blood flow abnormalities
• Nocturnal tumescence test: Almost all men experience many erections during sleep without remembering them. This test detects if the patient has had any erection at night during sleep. If it has been so, the doctor can confirm that there is no physical cause to the erectile dysfunction but a psychological cause.