What’s a SHIM Score? (Have Better Sex or Treat Erectile Dysfunction)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection. It can be caused by physical problems, psychological factors, or a combination of both.
Many men are reluctant to talk about ED. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. ED is a common problem, and it’s treatable.
The first step is to talk to your doctor. He or she can help you determine the cause of your ED and recommend treatment.
If your doctor suspects that your ED is caused by a physical problem, he or she may refer you to a urologist or other specialist.
The urologist may conduct a physical exam and order tests to help identify the cause of your ED. These tests may include:
- Blood tests. These tests can check for medical conditions that may be causing your ED.
- Urinalysis. This test can check for signs of diabetes, low testosterone, or other conditions.
- Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to look for problems with blood flow in your penis.
- Doppler ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to measure blood flow in your penis.
- Duplex ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to look for problems with blood flow in your penis. It can also show whether you have plaque buildup in your arteries.
- Penile biothesiometry. This test uses sound waves to measure how well blood flows to your penis.
If your doctor suspects that your ED is caused by a psychological problem, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or sex therapist.
These mental health professionals can help you manage your anxiety or stress, and they can teach you how to be more comfortable with sex.
If your ED is caused by a combination of physical and psychological problems, you may need to see both a specialist and a mental health professional.
What is the SHIM score?
The SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) score is a tool used by healthcare providers to assess the severity of a man’s ED.
The SHIM consists of five questions, each of which is scored on a scale of 0 to 5. The total SHIM score ranges from 0 to 25, with higher scores indicating more severe ED.
The SHIM can be used to:
- Diagnose ED. The SHIM can be used to diagnose ED. A man with a SHIM score of 21 or higher is considered to have ED.
- Assess the severity of ED. The SHIM can be used to assess the severity of a man’s ED. A man with a SHIM score of 21 or higher is considered to have severe ED.