Detection of erectile dysfunction or sexual impotence
Approximately half the male population has experienced at least once in their life transient episodes of impotence, which is why it is considered perfectly normal sexual behavior. There are two ways, therefore, erectile dysfunction or impotence, severe and transient.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, occurs due to inhibition of local vasocongestive phase of sexual response, and that is what we all understand that not enough blood to the penis cavernous conduits, responsible for the erection.
Erection problems can occur in men of all ages: from teenagers to begin to explore sexuality, youth and adults who are at the top of his sexual vigor, and in the elderly. Most times the cause is psychological, but due to hormonal mechanisms, vascular and neurological control erection are highly vulnerable to various physical and external agents, before starting a psychological treatment, it is important to be screened by the urologist to rule out any physiological causes. Another important factor that can cause erectile dysfunction is diabetes in man, something to take into account before any visit to the urologist.
The medical diagnosis can be defined as follows:
- History. Interested in collecting current and past medical problems, medications being taken and a history of psychological problems (stress, anxiety, and depression). The doctor will also require sexual history-onset of ED, frequency, quality and duration of an erection, etc. - and investigate the reasons for treatment and patient expectations. ED is of course a matter of two, and may be appropriate to interview the sexual partner (regardless of sexual preference of the patient).
- Physical examination. Includes an exploration of the genital and rectal examination (examination of the rectum with a gloved finger). Should be sought evidence of other diseases, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, nerve damage, etc.
- Questionnaires. The most used are the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function, ie the International Index of Erectile Function) and its simplest: the test SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men, that is, the Sexual Health Inventory for Men).
- Laboratory tests. It requires blood tests to measure levels of testosterone and, if necessary, to determine whether there are endocrine problems. Various examinations may be necessary to amplify the DE, as evidence of erectile response after injection of drugs that dilate blood vessels in the penis, or detection of nocturnal erections through various devices.
- Diagnostic radiology. Cavernosography cavernosometry and dynamic infusion (CCID) is a test in which an erection is induced with drugs, we measure the storage capacity of the penis, an ultrasound of penile arteries (to measure blood pressure of these arteries) and an x-ray of the erect penis to obtain accurate anatomical data. It is only necessary in some cases of ED.
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