Male Genital Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have an erection problem?

See significance of an erection problem if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had an erection for longer than 3 hours?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have an erection problem after any type of injury to the back, legs, buttocks, groin, penis, or testicles?

Yes

Has an erection problem developed after you started taking a new medicine or changed the dose of a medicine? Note: If your answer is "Yes":

• Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine the same day, before your next dose, to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
• If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. If you feel you need to continue taking the medicine, call your doctor.

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a loss of pubic or armpit hair and an enlargement of the breasts?

Yes

Do you have an erection problem with an ongoing backache?

Yes

Is an erection problem affecting your self-image or sense of well-being?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	March 29, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer