Exploring Tests for Erectile Dysfunction

Most of the men suffer from erectile dysfunction. It not only affects sexual life but also impacts the quality of life.

Frequent difficulty in attaining an erection is a normal thing. However, recurring problems show that there are some health issues.

To help you examine every situation, several erectile dysfunction tests are available. Tests denote the evaluation performed in a body to find the cause of ED.

Getting erectile dysfunction tests done helps one to ensure that it's caused either due to psychological factors or due to physical characteristics.

This blog briefly discusses all possible ED tests. Get to know about those tests with proper details here on this page. Let's get started!

Erectile Dysfunction Overview

Erectile dysfunction denotes a condition in men when they are unable to hold an erection during sexual intercourse. It is found in men between the ages of 40 to 50s.

It happens because of the constriction of erectile tissue and low blood flow to the penis. Around one-third of men are affected by ED today in the United States.

How to Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction?

A doctor, such as a urologist, diagnoses erectile dysfunction with your sexual or medical history. They may check for your mental health and also conduct physical examinations. You may need to answer certain questions regarding your sexual life and problems that you have been facing. Also, they may ask for different tests, as given below, to find the root cause of your ED. So, without hesitation, cooperate with them to help them diagnose your ED.

About Erectile Dysfunction Test

Erectile dysfunction tests refer to a set of exams done to find what is causing Erectile dysfunction in you. These tests are made for evaluation in men who have problems in holding erections.

ED tests are also performed in men who have the risk of ED due to certain diseases. The risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart or liver issues.

Different Erectile Dysfunction Tests

Various tests are performed to find the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. Your healthcare provider may suggest which test you must undergo.

The below explained are some of the most commonly performed tests.

Blood Test

A blood test is a common ED test performed to find its cause. Through blood tests, several hormone levels in your body are analyzed.

Different enzymes and other factors that may cause ED are checked via blood tests. A healthcare professional mainly checks these factors while doing blood tests.

• If your blood sugar level is high. High blood sugar levels damage the nerves.

• Analyze the testosterone levels in your body. Testosterone is responsible for sexual functioning.

• Check thyroid gland functioning. The thyroid gland helps in regulating the body's hormone levels.

• Verify the cholesterol levels. High cholesterol may impair blood flow to the penis.

Blood tests hardly take a few minutes. It's just around 3-5 minutes. After finding the cause through blood tests, the doctor may prescribe something that fits your needs.

Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Test

It is a diagnostic tool used to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction. Some men experience erection 3-5 times in one night's sleep.

However, erections are not related to sexual stimulation. Also, these erections may somehow last for 30 minutes to an hour.

They are not due to sexual arousal but occur due to body hormonal changes. An NPT test is done using a device called RigiScan.

RigiScan is fitted on the base of the penis. This device works to measure the circumference change happening while sleeping.

This circumference record helps the doctor to analyze how long the erection lasts during sleep.

This test also helps doctors to find whether erectile dysfunction is due to psychological or physical causes.

If the erection is normal during sleep, then it's due to psychological factors. Psychological factors may include stress, anxiety, and others.

Physical exam

It is a diagnostic tool that helps healthcare providers evaluate the cause of ED. Your doctor examines the penis and testicles.

It is done to check if any physical abnormalities in your penis may cause ED. Rectal exams are also performed to check the prostate gland.

The enlarged prostate glands may also cause erectile dysfunction. A physical exam also helps examine neurological function.

The neurological function is important to examine as the damage in the nerve may cause erectile dysfunction.

Penile Doppler Ultrasound

This ultrasound technique helps analyze the penis and blood vessels by creating images through high sound frequency waves.

ED is mainly caused due to low blood flow to the penis. Penile Doppler ultrasound tests help doctors check whether the blood vessel works perfectly.

The blood velocity is determined via this ultrasound test. Also, it helps to check for any blockage that causes blood flow issues.

Urine Tests

Diabetes may cause erectile dysfunction. So, urine tests are performed to check for any diabetes symptoms.

It also helps examine other health conditions that may cause ED. A sample of urine is collected to perform this test.

Best Time to Get Erectile Dysfunction Test Done

Firstly, when you start experiencing ED, you must visit a nearby doctor. Discuss your problems with the healthcare provider. Let them know about your medical and sexual history.

They will check your condition and prefer you get one ED test done. From the reports of the test, your healthcare provider analyses the cause of it.

Knowing the cause accurately helps it get treated easily.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Various erectile dysfunction treatments are available. But before starting one, it is important to find the ED causes.

The most used ED treatments are prescription drugs for ED. Some popular Erectile dysfunction medications are Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and many others.

The ingredient found in these drugs improved blood flow to the penis. The improved blood flow to the penis helps you maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual intimacy. But to trigger an erection, you must have sexual desire to activate the chain of erectile function.

Other ED treatments are penile injections, Vacuum devices, testosterone replacement therapy, and surgery. These treatments are for men who cannot treat their problems with medicines. Do not start taking any over-the-counter medications for your ED without consulting a doctor. 

Lifestyle changes may also help you overcome erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle changes like healthy weight, no alcohol and smoking, and regular exercise may also treat ED.

Reducing stress and anxiety can also help you to get rid of erection health issues.

Conclusion

Yes, we believe ED can be embarrassing. But if it's properly diagnosed and treated, you can easily overcome it.

The tests discussed above can be performed to examine the cause of erectile dysfunction. Your doctor may test it and provide you with the best treatment, such as prescription medication for ED. 

Remember never to try opting for these ED tests at home. You might get injured with it if you try to do so. 

FAQs

Can sexual disorders like ED be treated?

Yes, ED is a disorder that can be treated. But it is not 100% curable. Treatments that can be tried to treat ED are mentioned above.

Always try any ED treatment if a healthcare professional advises you.

Is there any erectile dysfunction test that can be performed at home?

No ED test is yet designed to be performed at home. Seeking an erectile dysfunction test from a healthcare provider is mandatory.

Is collecting the urine sample in the early morning for urine tests mandatory?

No, collecting a sample of morning's urine is not necessary. But the urine in the morning is well hydrated. Thus, the reports regarding the morning urine sample are more accurate.