A simplest way to know the exact reason is to take a very easy self-test at home that involves using 4-6 postage stamps.

The method to conduct Stamp Test:

1. Select three nights to conduct this test when one can get uninterrupted sleep. Do not drink alcohol and do not take any sleep-inducing medicine for at least two days prior to the test.

2. Every night wear briefs to sleep, bringing out penis through the fly and with very little pubic hair.

3. Wrap a strip of 4-6 stamps around the shaft of penis in such a way that it overlaps the stamps and moistens the end of one to seal the ring.

4. After the seal has dried, replace the penis carefully inside brief by keeping the underwear on so as to protect the stamps from falling off.

5. Then check in the morning whether the stamp ring has been broken at the perforations or not. If awakened at night due to the tearing of the stamps, check for erection and rigidity of the same.

The Result

If the ring of stamps breaks at the perforations even once in three nights, it means that erection problem is due to psychological cause. If the stamps do not break during the three nights' period of testing, the erection problem is related to a physical condition or is due to impotence-causing medication.

Inform doctor or psychologist about these results of stamp test. This could help in diagnosis and treatment of erectile problem as there is no substitute to an open discussion with physician about erectile dysfunction.

This test may help start the conversation with doctor and also give some questions to ask. The results can give doctor a better idea of what the patient has been experiencing and how he feels about it. Then the doctor can quiz the patient and check the intensity of ED on Erectile Dysfunction Intensity Scale.

The intensity is calculated based on set of five questions and answers to these questions and the scores are awarded from 5-25.

The result of severity classification can be done on following basis:

If the total score is between 5 and 10, it represents severe case of erectile dysfunction.

If the total score is between 11 and 15, it represents moderate case of erectile dysfunction.

If the total score is between 16 and 20, it represents mild case of erectile dysfunction.

If the total score is between 21 and 25, it represents normal case of erectile dysfunction.

In the end, it can be said that even if one is experiencing difficulty with erections, but that does not cause much concern, one should consult healthcare professionals so that they can identify any underlying cause of the problem.