How Do I Know If I Have a Sexual Problem?

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” use_border_color=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.106″] The most important thing you can do to determine if you have a sexual problem is to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms with your health care provider. Your health care provider will probably ask about your relationships, partners, past sexual history, any history of trauma, possible symptoms of depression, and any other stresses or concerns that may be interfering with your ability to respond sexually. Though these topics may seem extraordinarily private, they must be covered to properly evaluate sexual dysfunction and help you have a more satisfying sex life. Your health care provider will give you a thorough physical exam, checking for high blood pressure, vascular disease, a neurological disorder, or obvious signs of conditions affecting your penis or testicles. You’ll probably be given a blood test to check for diabetes, thyroid disease, testosterone level, and any other hormonal disorders your health provider may suspect. In addition, your health care provider will review the list of medications and substances you use (including natural remedies) to track whether your sexual dysfunction is connected with them. Because men normally have multiple erections during sleep, you’ll probably be asked about whether you ever awaken with an erection. Sometimes men are asked to undergo a test in a sleep lab to be monitored for erections during sleep. While this information can help tell whether erectile dysfunction may be due to problems with the vascular or nervous systems, it doesn’t necessarily indicate whether the erection is sufficient for sexual penetration. An ultrasound exam that measures the blood flow within the pelvis (a penile Doppler study) can determine whether there is enough blood flow and pressure in the penis to allow for an adequate erection. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]