title: SOP: physical examination and laboratory testing for men with erectile dysfunction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical examination and laboratory evaluation of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are opportunities to identify potentially life-threatening etiologies and comorbid conditions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Andrology, Sexology & STDs, Cairo University, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt. hmhghanem@gmail.com
authors.forename: Hussein M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Ghanem
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salonia
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martin-Morales
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*