Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

The following examinations are performed to identify the cause of erectile dysfunction:

• Comprehensive physician-patient dialogue
• Urological examination incl. prostate cancer screening
• Blood analysis: hormones, blood lipid levels, sugar (glucose, HbA1c) and other questionnaires (IIEF-5 questionnaire)
• Measurement of penile blood flow by means of a special ultrasound examination (Doppler) after inducing an artificial erection by injecting a medicine (intracavernous injection test)
• Administration of common “anti-impotence drugs” (PDE5 inhibitors) to see whether they are effective
• Special diagnostic procedures in individual cases: x-ray imaging of penile blood vessels (angiography) or the penis itself (cavernosography)

It should be considered that erectile dysfunction is often the manifestation of another underlying disease (often a cardiovascular disease or a metabolic disorder). If such a disease is suspected, a thorough examination of these patients by the general practitioner or a cardiologist is advisable. Psychological factors as the cause of erectile dysfunction must also be considered. This mainly affects younger men and may intensify a physical cause.