ED – Did you know?

 

Relationship problems, for example when the woman has different preferences of sexual practice than the man can cause erection problems.

ED – Did you know?

With spinal injury, multiple sclerosis or tumours there is an impact on the nerve supply to the penis which can cause erection problems.

ED – Did you know?

 

Alcohol is a leading erection-killer. Shakespeare wrote that the substance used worldwide to coax reluctant lovers into bed "provokes the desire, but takes away the performance."

ED – Did you know?

 

Erection problems can develop at any time, but the likelihood increases with age. After fifty -- and often younger -- erections can become balky even in the absence of other factors.

ED – Did you know?

 

If your diet contains too much fat it may result in the narrowing of blood vessels, and so reduce the blood flow to your penis.

Erection problems - Test for erection problems

 

Tests for erection problems can help find a cause for a man's problem in having or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction or impotence). Erectile dysfunction is a common male problem. Most erection problems are caused by a combination of blood vessel, nerve, or psychological issues.

Physical conditions that may cause erection problems include:

• Problems with the nerves of the penis. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes may cause nerve damage that affects a man's ability to have an erection. Also, surgery, injury, or radiation treatment to the pelvic area may cause damage to the nerves of the penis.
• Problems with the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. Conditions such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) may make it difficult for a man to have an erection. Activities such as long-distance bicycle riding on a hard, narrow saddle may increase a man's risk for having an erection problem. See an illustration of blood supply to the penis.
• Low levels of hormones, such as testosterone or thyroid hormones.
• Side effects of medicines, such as medicines taken for high blood pressure (hypertension) or depression.
• The use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Psychological tests may be needed if no physical cause is found for an erection problem.

Psychological causes of erection problems may include:

• Anxiety about sexual performance.
• Relationship problems.
• Stress.
• Depression or grief.

Tests for erection problems include a sexual history and physical examination. A physical examination includes checking your blood pressure. Your penis and testicles are also checked for any problems. Blood tests for testosterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactine, and thyroid hormone levels are usually done. Other blood tests that may be done include a complete blood count (CBC), blood glucose, cholesterol and trygleceride. A urine test may also be done. If these results are normal, many doctors will have you try a medicine, such as sildenafil citrate (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra), before doing more tests.

More tests for erection problems may include a nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test or an intracavernosal injection test.