Tests For Erection Problems: Results

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Results

Tests for erection problems can help find a cause for a man's problem in having or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction, or impotence).

Tests for erection problems may include blood tests for testosterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormone. A urine test, complete blood count, blood sugar level, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels may also be done.

For more information on the lab tests done for erection problems, see the medical tests Testosterone, Prolactin, Thyroid Hormone Tests, Urine Test, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Blood Glucose, and Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests.

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test

An erection has likely occurred if:

• One or more films on the snap gauge have broken.
• The electronic device has recorded an increase in penis size.

An erection has likely not occurred if:

• None of the films on the snap gauge have broken.
• The electronic device has not recorded an increase in penis size.

The test is more accurate if repeat tests show the same results.

Intracavernosal injection test

An erection caused by intracavernosal injection is usually measured on a scale of 0 to 4, with a full erection measuring a 4.

• If the test causes an erection with a value of 3 or 4, it is likely that your erection problems do not have a physical cause.
• If the test causes an erection with a value of 0 to 2, your erection problems may have a physical cause.

Doppler ultrasound

The ultrasound can show if you have blood flow problems as the cause of your erection problems.

Last updated:	May 21, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer