Diagnosing Impotence Through the Medical History
In taking your medical history, the doctor will ask general questions about your health, as well as specific questions about your erection problems and your relationship with your partner. Bring a list of all the medications you take or bring the actual medications with you to show your doctor. Tell your doctor about any surgeries you have had.
Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle habits, such as:
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Exercise.
Your doctor might ask you additional questions, including:
- How do you rate your confidence that you can get and keep an erection?
- When you have erections with sexual stimulation, how often are your erections hard enough for penetration?
- During sexual intercourse, how often are you able to maintain your erection after you have penetrated (entered) your partner?
- When you attempt sexual intercourse, how often is it satisfactory for you?
- How would you rate your level of sexual desire?
- How often are you able to reach climax and have an ejaculation?
- Do you have an erection when you wake up in the morning?
The answers to these questions will help your doctor better understand the problem.

