3-2-1 Pelvic Digest: Erectile Dysfunction as a Window Into Systemic Health

I. The ERECTION acronym saves you from guesswork
Endocrine disorders, Recreational or prescription drugs, Enlarged prostate, Cardiovascular disease, Tumors, Iatrogenic causes, Obesity, and Neuro conditions all can contribute to ED. Instead of trying to recall them piecemeal, use the acronym to structure your screening.

II. Screening is not optional
Low libido, difficulty with arousal, weak erections, or absent spontaneity are not just sexual complaints. They are red flags for organic ED. A quick risk score (0–2 low, 3–5 high) helps you decide when a referral or deeper questioning is needed.

III. Simple tools change the trajectory
The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) using a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and a ratio calculation can reveal peripheral vascular disease hiding behind ED. Sometimes pelvic health clinicians are the first to notice what the medical system has not.

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I. Sir William Osler on seeing the bigger picture:
“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
Your role is not to treat every organic cause, but to see the man in front of you and guide him toward the right care.

II. Aldous Huxley on perception:
“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.”
ED can be the door. Recognizing it as a signal, not just a symptom, is how you change outcomes.

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When a man presents with ED, will you treat it as a pelvic floor issue alone, or will you screen and refer with the bigger picture in mind?

With care,

Team IPC

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