Kindly explain about the tests required to diagnose erectile dysfunction.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all, I like to inform you that there is no test which alone can tell you whether you have ED (erectile dysfunction) or not other than the history and proper physical examination. This is the thing which are done by the doctor when you present yourself in his or her office.

Based on the observation doctor decides whether the testes are required or not. In case required he only decides what are the tests required based on the available history details and clinical examination.

I mean to say that you need to see a properly trained sexologist to determine the number of tests required. This is because the presence of abnormal test does not mean the test abnormality is the cause of the problem and similarly, the presence of normal test result does not rule out the problem.

However, in routine practice, we order normal biochemistry (blood sugar, GTT - glucose tolerance test, HbA1c, lipid profile, LFT - liver function test, and thyroid profile), hormonal profile (free and total testosterone, prolactin, LH - luteinizing hormone, and FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone), USG abdomen and pelvis, and penile Doppler study among others. These are often a minimal requirement and the number of tests can change as per the need of the individual patients. I hope this helps you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.