Shedding light on erectile dysfunction: unveiling perspectives and pioneering new erectile assessments

This thesis explores advancements in assessing male erectile dysfunction (ED), focusing on healthcare practices, patient perspectives, and innovative diagnostic tools. Initial research examined how Dutch sexologists diagnose ED, revealing their reliance on the biopsychosocial model and the need for user-friendly tools like sensors for nocturnal erections. Patient feedback on the conventional Rigiscan device highlighted its discomfort and sleep disruption, emphasizing the need for compact, user-friendly alternatives. Subsequent studies conceptualized modern sensors for at-home nocturnal erection monitoring, investigating promising technologies like displacement sensors and temperature sensors. A pilot study using a light reflection hemoglobin (LRH) sensor demonstrated feasibility for detecting erection onset, but larger trials are needed for validation. Further innovation combined LRH with penile temperature measurements, yielding promising results as an alternative to current methods. Collectively, these findings advocate for patient-centered, non-invasive diagnostic advancements. By addressing the limitations of existing tools and integrating patient preferences, the research aims to improve ED diagnosis, enhancing patient comfort, accuracy, and accessibility. This work represents a step forward in revolutionizing ED assessment.<br>