Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) as a clinical entity is a problem that more than 50% of men will face as they age, and it can adversely affect overall quality of life and impact sexual partners. Our understanding of the pathophysiology and the multiple risk factors that contribute to ED has led to successful treatments, both nonsurgical and surgical, over the past two decades. Now, more nonurologists and primary care providers are seeing patients for their initial evaluation. It is imperative that they approach the workup and evaluation in a logical and efficient manner. After a thorough history and physical examination, followed by a relevant and systematic laboratory evaluation, most cases can be effectively identified and medical treatment can be initiated. However, patients who continue to have erectile difficulties or fail initial oral treatment are candidates for specialized evaluation of vascular, neurogenic, and hormonal dysfunction, which can lead to more specific treatment or possible surgical management.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Carson, C. C. (2002). Rev. Urol. 4(Suppl. 3), S2-S7.
Carbone, D. J. and Seftel, A. D. (2002). Geriatrics 57(9), 18–24.
Johannes, C. B., Araujo, A. B., Feldman, H. A., Derby, C. A., Kleinman, K. P., and McKinlay, J. B. (2000). J. Urol. 163(2), 460–463.
Chun, J. and Carson, C. C. (2001). Urol. Clin. North Am. 28, 249–258.
Kirby, R. S. (1999). In: Textbook of erectile dysfunction. Carson, C. C., Kirby, R. S., and Goldstein, I. (eds.). ISIS Medical Publishers: Oxford, UK.
Fanfulla, F., et al. (2000). Sleep 23(6), 775–781.
Haffner, S. M. (2002). Int. J. Clin. Pract. (Suppl. 132), 31–37.
Guay, A. T. and Nankin, H. R. (1998). Endocr. Pract. 4(4), 219–235.
Broderick, G. and Lue, T.F. (2002). In: Campbell’s urology. Walsh, P. C., Retik, A. B., Vaughan, E. D., and Wein, A. J. (eds.). Saunders: Philadelphia.
Ellis, W. J. and Grayhack, J. T. (1963). J. Urol. 89, 895–899.
Feldman, H., Goldstein, I., and Hatzichristou, D. (1994). J. Urol. 151, 54–61.
Reiter, W. J., Pycha, A., and Schatzl, G. (2000). Urology 55, 755–758.
Buvat, J. and Lemaire, A. (1997). J. Urol. 158, 1764–1769.
Dey, J. and Shepherd, M. D. (2002). Maryo Clin. Proc. 77, 276–282.
Lue, T. F., Hrcicak, H., Marich, K. W., and Tanagho, E. A. (1985). Semin. Urol. 3, 43–48.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McLaughlin, S.P., Carsson, C.C. Laboratory evaluation of the patient with erectile dysfunction. Endocr 23, 113–117 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1385/ENDO:23:2-3:113
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/ENDO:23:2-3:113