Differential Diagnoses Impotence

Remember the physiology of an erection and what it depends on.

The penis contains two cylindrical, sponge-like structures (corpora cavernosa).  During sexual arousal, nerve impulses increase blood flow to both of these cylinders. This sudden influx of blood causes an erection by expanding, straightening and stiffening the penis.

If there are any co-morbidities that affect the nerves or blood supply this can contribute to impotence.

A reflexive erection is caused by physical stimulation, while a psychogenic erection is triggered in response to a specific visual or mental image. A nocturnal erection is exactly what it sounds like – an erection that occurs during sleep.

Differential diagnoses for impotence
– Erectile Dysfunction  
– Diabetes 
– Prostate Cancer 
– Neurological 
– Cardiovascular issue