Erectile Dysfunction: Evaluation, Including Diagnostic Studies (Doppler Ultrasound, Cavernosography/Cavenosometry)

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in the aging population that can be broadly classified as organic, psychogenic, or mixed. A thorough evaluation of a patient with ED begins with acknowledging that it is intimately related to a host of medical, neurologic, and psychological conditions. Providers should be confident in their ability to obtain a relevant history, perform a targeted physical exam, and, when indicated, select appropriate diagnostic testing. Patients should also be evaluated for associated urologic conditions, including male hypogonadism and lower urinary tract symptoms, the treatment of which may improve ED symptoms. It is also important that clinicians be aware that ED may be a “sentinel event” for undiagnosed cardiovascular disease as the implications of intervention can potentially be lifesaving. This review contains 7 figures, 10 tables and 138 references Key words: cardiovascular disease, Doppler ultrasonography, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, lower urinary tract symptoms, male impotence, metabolic syndrome, penile tumescence, Peyronie disease, premature ejaculation, sexual desire, testosterone