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Updated: May 23, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
SOP: physical examination and laboratory testing for men with erectile dysfunction
Hussein M Ghanem1, Andrea Salonia, Antonio Martin-Morales
1Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Cairo University, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt. hmhghanem@gmail.com
Introduction:
Physical examination and laboratory evaluation of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are opportunities to identify potentially life-threatening etiologies and comorbid conditions.
Aim:
To review genital anatomy, identify any physical abnormalities, assess for comorbid conditions, and reveal significant risk factors for ED.
Methods:
Expert opinion was based on evidence-based medical literature and consensus discussions between members of this International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) standards committee.
Results:
For men with ED, a general examination including blood pressure and pulse measurements and a focused genital exam are advised. Fasting blood sugar, serum total testosterone, prolactin levels, and a lipid profile may reveal significant comorbid conditions.
Conclusions:
Though physical examination and laboratory evaluation of most men with ED may not reveal the exact diagnosis, these opportunities to identify critical comorbid conditions should not be missed.
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