Medical Health Encyclopedia

Tests that may be performed include:

• Urine analysis
• Blood tests, including CBC, metabolic panel, hormone profile, PSA
• Penile ultrasound (to evaluate for blood vessel or blood flow problems)
• Nocturnal penile tuemscence (NPT) to test if you are having nighttime erections and rigidity monitoring (Rigiscan)
• Neurological testing
• Psychometric testing

TREATMENT

The treatment depends on the cause. For example, if the problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance, medication to treat the underlying endocrine disorder will be prescribed. Consult your health care provider for appropriate evaluation and management.

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There are many treatment options today. These include medicines taken by mouth, injections into the penis, vacuum devices, and surgery. In order to treat erectile dysfunction effectively, you must be aware of and comfortable with the possible side-effects and complications that may occur with each therapy.

Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil are medicines prescribed for mild-to-moderate erection difficulties caused by either physical or psychological problems. Although these medicines have become extremely popular, they are not "cure-alls," and they do not enhance erections if you are not impotent. And, they DO have side effects. These pills should not be used with certain other medications.

Men who take nitroglycerin for a heart condition (as either tablets, spray, or patches) should NOT take these medications. When taken with nitroglycerin, these drugs can significantly lower blood pressure. Some men have died from combining these drugs and nitroglycerin.

If pills do not work, other options are available. Testosterone may be prescribed by either skin patch or injection, especially if the problem is related to age. Alprostadil, injected at the penis or inserted as pellets, improves blood flow to the penis. This technique is usually more effective than medications taken by mouth.