Assessment of erectile dysfunction

Males with erectile dysfunction need thorough medical evaluation because an organic cause and coexisting conditions are highly likely. Erectile dysfunction may be a marker for asymptomatic cardiovascular disease and, particularly in younger individuals, is a strong independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular events.

Note: Erectile dysfunction may be a marker for asymptomatic cardiovascular disease.

Erectile dysfunction commonly coexists with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (symptoms include hesitancy, poor stream, frequency, nocturia, urgency and terminal dribbling of urine). See Screening and assessment of a person with sexual difficulties for an approach to history and examination.

Laboratory tests include full blood examination, kidney function, fasting lipids, fasting serum glucose concentration, investigations for androgen deficiency and other tests as guided by the history and examination.