Questions. Questions. Questions.

So you're sitting there with all those questions still buzzing in your head about why you've suddenly found yourself in this situation with erectile dysfunction and whether a simple prescription for Viagra, Cialis or Levitra will solve the problem, where you can buy Viagra online, and so on.

The usual blood pressure test has come and gone, and now the doctor is gently telling you to drop your trousers. This is one of those moments you've been dreading and all those questions about Viagra are suddenly less important.

Let's be clear what's going on and why. Although your doctor can tell a lot from your medical records and the answers to all those questions, a physical examination is a necessary part of the process. No matter what you may have said or how you may have described your problems, you are not the best person to make a physical examination of your genitals because, quite simply, you don't know what you're looking for. There are a number of possible physical causes of erectile dysfunction that can quickly be eliminated by an examination. This means a full examination of your abdomen, front and, sometimes, back.

What? That means I have to take off most of my clothes?

Sadly, yes. Many men are reluctant to take off their boxers, but the doctor really does need full access and, just this once, you have no choice but to allow it. As it happens, this first examination is always fairly nominal. It only gets really invasive if further tests are indicated. Let's hope for the best.

So, he's examined your abdomen, prostate, penis and testicles. Some doctors will also do a rectal examination as well. One of the things that must be tested is whether there is nerve damage. This not only means testing your more obvious reflexes, but also checking your sense of touch. So do not be surprised if he prods you with something less than blunt or rubs your skin with something smooth.

This is all in a good cause (particularly, if you can feel every embarrassing touch - that means your nervous system is working as it should).

And, for most men in your position (which can now be a man in motion getting dressed again), that will be that. Only if there is something in your medical records or there has been some cause for concern in the physical examination will there be a need for further tests. Most men do not have a major physical illness or disease. For thoroughness, there can be tests of your blood or urine to make sure that you don't have diabetes, and in a urine sample, tests for protein to eliminate problems with your kidneys. It is also possible to test your levels of testosterone, but this will not usually be done so long as your testicles are the expected size.

So, it should be good news time. If there's nothing obviously wrong with your general health and your penis and testicles in particular appear normal, there's no reason why your erectile dysfunction cannot be treated quite simply.

For this purpose, oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra are usually discussed and recommended. Finally, your chance has come to ask all those questions about access to these medications whether with or without prescription. No doubt your doctor will have a view on the reliability of online pharmacies as against your neighbourhood pharmacies. You can explain how you feel about going into a local store to pick up this medication, that you would prefer to buy Levitra online where there is greater privacy. You can hear what your doctor says and make an informed choice.