What methods are used to diagnose erectile dysfunction?

A healthcare professional can diagnose erectile dysfunction and identify its cause. This process involves reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and asking questions about your personal and sexual history.

While these questions might feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, being truthful is essential for accurately and promptly pinpointing the cause. Some of the questions may include:

• Do you often feel stressed?
• Has a healthcare provider ever diagnosed you with depression or anxiety?
• Are you currently taking any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements and nonmedical drugs?
• Are you experiencing any relationship problems?
• How often are you able to get erections?
• How hard are your erections?
• How long are you able to maintain an erection?
• Do you lose your erection because you ejaculate sooner than you would like?
• When did you first notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
• What exactly happened when you first had erectile dysfunction symptoms?
• Do or did you experience erections at night or during the morning?
• What sexual positions do you regularly engage in?

To confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of your erectile dysfunction, the provider might request additional ED-related tests.