Center for Sexual Medicine Manila Sexual Medicine Blog

Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction

understanding the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction
understanding the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that can affect men of all ages, causing difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity. While it’s often associated with older age, younger men can also experience ED. Diagnosing erectile dysfunction involves a consultation with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam. A diagnosis of ED can be made following this thorough evaluation.

A 35-year-old man, happily married with two children. You’ve always prided yourself on being in good health, but lately, you’ve noticed a troubling change. Despite feeling aroused and wanting to be intimate with your partner, you struggle to achieve a firm erection. This situation has become increasingly frustrating, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. You’re not alone – millions of men worldwide experience similar challenges with their sexual health. Understanding the signs and symptoms of ED is the first step towards addressing this issue and regaining control over your sex life.

Inconsistent ability to achieve erections when desiring sex

This refers to the irregularity in a man’s ability to achieve erections when he wants to engage in sexual activity. It’s characterized by instances where he can achieve an erection sometimes, but not consistently. 

John, a 30-year-old man in a committed relationship. Some days, John is able to get an erection without any issues, and he and his partner enjoy satisfying sexual intimacy. However, on other occasions, particularly when he’s feeling stressed or anxious, John struggles to get an erection despite being sexually aroused. This inconsistency in his ability to achieve erections affects his sexual confidence and may lead to frustration and disappointment for both him and his partner.

Erections not lasting long enough for sexual intercourse

This occurs when a man can achieve an erection, but it doesn’t last long enough for sexual intercourse to be completed satisfactorily. A normal erection time usually lasts from 5-35 minutes. If erection loss occurs after only a short time, or recurs in the course of sexual activity, it can be a particularly frustrating experience.

Mike, a 45-year-old man who experiences erections but finds that they fade before he and his partner can fully enjoy intercourse. Despite initial arousal and stimulation, Mike’s erections diminish prematurely, leaving him feeling disappointed and his partner feeling unfulfilled. This issue can create tension and dissatisfaction in the relationship, impacting both partners’ sexual and emotional well-being.

Complete inability to attain an erection

diagnosing erectile dysfunction - inability to erect

This refers to the inability to achieve an erection, even with sexual stimulation or arousal. It’s characterized by the absence of any erection, making sexual activity impossible. 

Tom, a 35-year-old man who has been unable to achieve an erection for several months, despite feeling sexually aroused. Tom’s attempts at intimacy with his partner have been unsuccessful, leading to frustration, embarrassment, and a loss of confidence. This complete inability to attain an erection can significantly impact a man’s self-esteem and mental health, as well as strain his relationship with his partner.

Consistent difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection

If you’re frequently struggling to achieve or sustain an erection during sexual activity, it may indicate erectile difficulties. For instance, if you find it challenging to get or keep an erection when you want to, it could be a sign of erectile difficulties. 

John, a 50-year-old man, notices that he struggles to achieve an erection during sexual activity with his partner. Despite feeling aroused, his penis does not become sufficiently erect for penetration, leading to frustration and embarrassment.

Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction

diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

When it comes to diagnosing erectile dysfunction, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough examination and testing process to understand the root cause of your condition. As a specialist in erectile dysfunction, I utilize a variety of tests to gather comprehensive information about your health and determine the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Physical Examination

During your appointment, we’ll begin with a detailed physical examination. This examination allows us to assess your overall health and specifically focus on areas relevant to erectile function, such as the genitals, prostate, and nervous system. 

By carefully examining these areas, we can identify any physical factors that may be contributing to your erectile difficulties. This includes checking for conditions like Peyronie’s disease, which can cause curvature of the penis and affect its ability to become erect.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are an essential part of the diagnostic process for erectile dysfunction. These tests can reveal underlying medical conditions that may be linked to your symptoms, such as diabetes, heart disease, or hormonal imbalances. By analyzing your blood, we can detect abnormalities in glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and hormone levels that could be affecting your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Understanding these underlying health issues is crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are another valuable tool in diagnosing erectile dysfunction and identifying related health issues. These tests can detect signs of conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or urinary tract infections, all of which can contribute to erectile difficulties. By analyzing your urine, we can gain insight into your overall health and identify any underlying conditions that may be impacting your sexual function. Addressing these issues is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Ultrasound

In some cases, we may recommend an ultrasound to evaluate blood flow to the penis and identify any structural abnormalities. During an ultrasound examination, a specialized technician will use high-frequency sound waves to create images of the blood vessels in the penis. This allows us to assess how blood flows into and out of the penis and identify any blockages or abnormalities that may be affecting erectile function. Ultrasound can provide valuable information about the vascular health of your erectile tissues, helping us to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you.

By combining these tests and examinations, we can gather comprehensive information about your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction, leading to improved sexual health and overall well-being.

Takeaway

By recognizing these signs – inconsistent ability to achieve erections, erections not lasting long enough for sexual intercourse, and complete inability to attain an erection – and seeking medical advice, you can take the necessary steps towards addressing erectile dysfunction and improving your overall sexual health. Don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. They can help identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or therapy. Remember, seeking help is the first step towards regaining control of your sexual health and enhancing your quality of life.

Share:

More Posts

Send Us A Message

Center for Sexual Medicine Manila is the Philippines' premier clinic for male & female sexual issues. Our experts provide the latest treatments to revitalize your intimate life.

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +63 906 884 4469

Address: Lower Penthouse Room LP12 Medical Plaza Makati Amorsolo cor. Dela Rosa St. Legaspi Village, Makati Philippines

Visit Us Today

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Designed By: DesignLabs+