An accurate diagnosis of erectile dysfunction will likely require a series of tests and consultations to discuss all symptoms and their timing. An appointment with a physician to assess for erectile dysfunction will commence with a conversation regarding the symptoms experienced, followed by a physical exam that consists of a close examination of your testicles and penis to check for any lack of sensation. For a definitive diagnosis, you will likely need to provide a blood and urine sample taken at the clinic, and in some cases, the physician will want to perform a Doppler ultrasound that measures the amount of blood flow through the penis. Around 40% of erectile dysfunction is due to a psychological factor, often due to anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, guilt, or troubles in the romantic relationship, making a psychological exam a very important aspect of an erectile dysfunction diagnosis. All of these tests can both determine the cause of erectile dysfunction and identify the best course of treatment.

One of the possible causes of erectile dysfunction is a loss of strength or tone in one or more of the muscles that are necessary for maintaining an erection, making some specific exercises an effective course of treatment in those cases. The muscles that may be weakened, causing erectile dysfunction, are those located in the pelvic floor, known as the kegel muscles, as those are the muscles that put pressure on the veins in the penis to keep the blood sustained within the penis, allowing for an erection to be maintained. The first exercise that is commonly recommended for strengthening the kegel muscles is to teach the patient to activate the pelvic floor muscles simply by locating the muscles, clenching them for 3 seconds at a time, and then releasing them. Other exercises that will help in regaining erectile strength include a sitting pelvic floor activation, which is the same as the previous exercise, just while sitting to activate the muscles while in a different position, and a standing pelvic floor activation, which again is a similar activation of the muscles but while standing. Pilates is also a great activity for ensuring that the pelvic floor muscles are maintaining the necessary strength, specifically the exercises that target the activation of the pelvic floor muscles during movement. Some of these exercises include knee fallouts, supine foot raises, and the pelvic curl. Doing a variation of any of these exercises at least 10 times daily will quickly improve the overall strength of the pelvic floor muscles and curb erectile dysfunction.

The most effective cure for erectile dysfunction heavily depends on the initial cause of the condition. There are medications, exercises, and different lifestyle tips that may be recommended by your physician for the physical causes of erectile dysfunction. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be the only cure you require, as regular exercise and a healthy diet can be all you need in order to improve the condition and reduce the risk of reoccurrence. For psychological factors that are leading to erectile dysfunction, counseling or therapy may be recommended for either yourself or both you and your partner to pinpoint what exactly is leading to the condition and to work through that psychological cause. Sex therapy is also a great option for those who have a combination of psychological and physical factors that are contributing to erectile dysfunction, again being useful both on an individual basis as well as with your partner.
 
The persistent inability to achieve or sustain a penile erection strong enough for fulfilling sexual performance is known as erectile dysfunction. Typically, your doctor may ask you about your symptoms and medical history in conjunction with a physical exam to arrive at a diagnosis. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Lewisville TX, Nashville TN, Sherman Oaks, and Irvine CA. We serve patients from Lewisville TX, DFW TX, Carrollton TX, Flower Mound TX, Sherman Oaks CA, Burbank CA, Glendale CA, Los Angeles CA, Irvine CA, Tustin CA, Nashville TN, Brentwood TN, and Oak Hill TN.