{"id":5755,"date":"2019-09-09T10:00:58","date_gmt":"2019-09-09T14:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=5755"},"modified":"2024-05-21T13:47:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T17:47:54","slug":"erectile-dysfunction-tests-and-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction-tests-and-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Diagnosing erectile dysfunction: Tests &#038; next steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think you have erectile dysfunction (ED), a physical examination and discussion about your medical history are all your doctor needs to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. If your doctor thinks an underlying health condition may be causing your ED, you might need additional tests including: blood tests, urine tests (urinalysis), ultrasound, or psychological exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that once you\u2019re diagnosed, most cases of ED are treatable, if not totally curable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes erectile dysfunction?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. If you\u2019ve experienced erection problems, you\u2019re not alone. Over three million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ED every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual arousal is complex. One reason ED affects so many people is because there are many potential causes of sexual dysfunction: lifestyle, emotional, medical, and physical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Lifestyle risk factors and causes of erectile dysfunction:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alcohol use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inactivity or lack of exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obesity or being overweight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Psychological and emotional causes of erectile dysfunction:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">general anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">performance anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guilt about sexual performance or certain sexual activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low self-esteem<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lack of sexual desire<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Underlying medical conditions that may cause ED:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cardiovascular disease (heart disease)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injury from treatments for prostate cancer, including radiation therapy and prostate surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injury to the penis, prostate, bladder, or pelvis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure (hypertension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low testosterone levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver or kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">multiple sclerosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nerve damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pituitary gland conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peyronie\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">premature ejactulation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spinal cord injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">surgery for bladder cancer\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nerve damage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/004024.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Oral medications<\/b><\/a><b> that may cause ED:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antidepressants and other psychiatric medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamine medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diuretics (water pills)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure medicines, particularly thiazides and beta blockers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormonal medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opiates such as fentanyl and codeine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recreational drugs including marijuana and cocaine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual health can be complicated. It\u2019s important to be open and detailed when speaking to a medical professional, be it your family doctor or a specialist like a urologist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the early signs of erectile dysfunction?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re able to get an erection sometimes, just not every time you want to have sex.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re able to get an erection, but you cannot maintain it long enough to have sex.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re never able to achieve an erection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms can come on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/sex-and-the-prostate-overcoming-erectile-dysfunction-when-you-have-prostate-disease-20090331100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suddenly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or develop gradually. When ED is sudden, it is likely caused by a medication or psychological trigger such as stress or depression. When symptoms develop gradually, it is more likely caused by a blood flow or nerve issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction-guide-symptoms-causes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ultimate Guide to Erectile Dysfunction<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do healthy erections work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The penis is filled with blood vessels. When you are sexually aroused\u2014by either mental or sensory stimulation\u2014your brain sends messages through nerves to the blood vessels and muscles of the corpora cavernosa, a chamber in the penis, to relax.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the blood vessels relax and open, blood rushes in to fill the spaces. This blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, which expands the penis to create an erection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The membrane that surrounds the corpora cavernosa traps blood in the penis. This is how a penile erection is sustained.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When an erection stops, it\u2019s because of the contraction of muscles in the penis. This halts the inflow of blood, and triggers its outflow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to diagnose erectile dysfunction\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s possible to self diagnose erectile dysfunction. But, consulting your general practitioner or urologist can help identify the specific cause of your symptoms, and determine the most appropriate treatment for your lifestyle and medical history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if stress or anxiety is causing your erectile dysfunction, your doctor may recommend counseling as the first line of treatment. If an underlying health problem\u2014like diabetes\u2014is causing your ED, your doctor may prescribe a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To effectively diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history, your sexual history, or your relationship with your sexual partner. In some cases, additional testing is required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical history<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor will ask a number of questions to better understand and identify the root cause of your ED. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you currently taking any medications or over-the-counter supplements? If so, which ones?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have any chronic illnesses?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you drink alcohol or smoke?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often do you exercise?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the frequency or duration of your erections?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical exam<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and check your blood pressure to find any abnormalities, such as heart murmurs, that could affect blood flow to the penis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor will check your testicles and penis for signs of low testosterone. This male hormone is essential in achieving an erection, and physical signs\u2014such as small testicles or hair loss\u2014can indicate a hormone problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, your doctor may conduct a digital rectal exam to check the prostate gland for signs of infection or cancer, both potential causes of ED. Your doctor may also check your reflexes to test for any neurological problems. All in all, the physical exam should take 10 to 15 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might feel uncomfortable to get a physical exam, but remember your doctor is a trained professional and there to help. The more your physician knows, the better your treatment can be.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood tests<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To rule out cardiovascular disease or diabetes, your doctor may also use blood tests and urine tests (urinalysis), to check your testosterone, cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultrasound<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally performed by a specialist, an ultrasound is a simple procedure that can help identify any blood flow issues to your penis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychological exam<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may ask questions about your mental health to screen for depression, stress, and anxiety, as these can all impair erectile function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) testing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/med.virginia.edu\/urology\/for-patients-and-visitors\/mens-health\/understanding-erectile-dysfunction\/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-erectile-dysfunction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is particularly helpful if it\u2019s unclear whether your erectile dysfunction is from physical or psychological causes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essentially, NPT testing monitors erections while you sleep. Erections while sleeping are normal and common. If you have an involuntary erection during sleep, the cause of your ED is likely emotional rather than physical. If you do not achieve erections when sleeping, it could indicate a physical cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to self diagnose erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NPT Stamp Test<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an at-home, low-tech nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test to determine if you\u2019re achieving an erection during normal sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply a strip of postage stamps around the base of the penis before going to bed. The strip should be snug enough so the stamps break apart if you have an erection. You should sleep on your back to avoid accidentally tearing or disturbing the stamps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the morning, if the strip has broken, it means you had a nocturnal erection, which indicates an erection is physically possible. Your ED is likely caused by psychological issues. If the stamps are intact, it could indicate a physical cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For best results, conduct the test at least three nights in a row. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect ED, you may want to see a doctor to confirm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does a urologist check for erectile dysfunction?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A urologist is a doctor that specializes in the male reproductive system and urinary tract diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often your regular family doctor can help run all the tests you need to diagnose and treat ED. However, it\u2019s not uncommon for a general practitioner to refer patients with erectile dysfunction to a urology specialist for more tests. Some patients ask to see a urologist from the start, as they feel more comfortable talking to someone who specializes in men\u2019s health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be prepared to answer similar questions for your urologist as you would your regular health care provider, including details about your medical history and your symptoms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whenever you visit a doctor, it\u2019s always a good idea to bring a list of questions to remember to ask, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is this condition temporary?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is causing it?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the treatment options?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long until I see improvement?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there any side-effects to treatment?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treating erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you, based on the cause of your ED. This could be lifestyle changes, prescription medication, natural therapies, or a combination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the most commonly recommended treatments for erectile dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral medications for treating ED<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sildenafil-citrate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sildenafil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/revatio-vs-viagra\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viagra<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tadalafil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tadalafil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Adcirca, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cialis-vs-viagra\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cialis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vardenafil-hcl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vardenafil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Levitra, Staxyn)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avanafil (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/stendra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stendra<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reducing illicit drug and alcohol intake<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quitting smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">losing weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increasing exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meditating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">working through relationship issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reducing stress\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural treatments<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acupuncture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamins and supplements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/natural-cures-for-erectile-dysfunction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Guide to Natural Cures and Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other options<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">penile implants and vacuums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">testosterone hormone therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">penile injections or suppositories (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/alprostadil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alprostadil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erectile dysfunction is often curable with the right treatment. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but it\u2019s highly possible you\u2019ll be back enjoying healthy sexual function in no time. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you think you have erectile dysfunction (ED), a physical examination and discussion about your medical history are all your doctor needs to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. If your doctor thinks an underlying health condition may be causing your ED, you might need additional tests including: blood tests, urine tests (urinalysis), [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":10650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[8922],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-5755","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-erectile-dysfunction","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Erectile dysfunction tests and diagnosis next steps<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Erectile dysfunction tests could include a blood test or urine test, but a physical exam is often necessary for an ED diagnosis. 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