Testing for Erectile Dysfunction
There are a number of tests that can help your doctor determine the causes of ED. Some of the tests can also identify problems that could also affect other areas of your health, such as heart disease and diabetes. The following information describes the various tests that you doctor might order.
Blood Tests
Testosterone level
Normal testosterone levels are necessary for proper sexual functioning, and low levels may cause decreased libido,
ED, or both. A testosterone level should be drawn as early as possible in the morning in order to be most accurate, but fasting is not necesary
Fasting blood sugar and Hemoglobin A1c
These are tests for diabetes, or high blood sugar. This is a common cause of
ED, and is a very serious condition. If left untreated it can cause heart disease, nerve pain or numbness, kidney failure, and other medical problems
Lipid panel (cholesterol tests)
Many men with
ED also have heart disease, and elevated cholesterol levels are a major risk for heart disease
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
An abnormal
TSH can indicate an under or over-functioning thyroid gland. This can cause
ED, heart disease, and other medical problems
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
This panel of tests measures kidney and liver function
Complete blood count (CBC)
This tests for anemia or other abnormalities of the blood
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
This is a test for prostate cancer and prostate enlargement. The prostate is not related to
ED, but all men over age 40 should know their
PSA level. Men with a
PSA over 1.0 should have it checked yearly, and all men should have the
PSA every year or two after age 50
Office Tests
Penile Doppler Test
This is a test to determine if the blood flow into and out of the penis is normal. The test requires injection of a medication into the penis to produce an erection and then ultrasound transducers are placed on the penis to measure blood flow. This test is usually not very helpful in choosing the best treatment options, and we do not recommend it for most men.