Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which will likely include checking your circulation, a rectal exam, a neurological exam, and an exam of your penis.

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To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:

• Have you been able to achieve and maintain erections in the past?
• Is the difficulty in achieving erections or maintaining the erection?
• Do you have erections during sleep?
• How long have you had difficulty with erections?
• What medications are you taking (including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, recreational drugs)?
• Do you smoke? How much each day?
• Do you use alcohol? How much?
• Have you recently had surgery?
• Have you ever had vascular surgery or other treatments for your blood vessels?
• Are you depressed?
• Are you afraid or worried about something?
• Are you experiencing a lot of stress?
• Has your energy level decreased?
• Are you sleeping well each night?
• Are you afraid of sexual activity because of physical problems?
• Have there been any recent changes in your life?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• Have you noticed changes in sensations in your penis?
• Do you have any problems with urination?