Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Natasha Fernando MBBS, MRCGPMedical Director

What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (or impotence) is when you’re either unable to get an erection or keep an erection for long enough to have sex. Sometimes you might also have a low sex drive (loss of libido).
Occasional ED is very common and is usually nothing to worry about. It’s often caused by a short-term issue such as stress or drinking too much alcohol.
However, for some men, ED can become a long-term problem. This can be very distressing and not only impact your sex life but could also affect your confidence and self-esteem.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Our Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test investigates several underlying health conditions that could be contributing to your ED symptoms. These include high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid conditions, and hormone imbalances.
The good news is that although these physical causes can be serious, they are treatable, and can often be improved by lifestyle changes and/or medication.
What can I learn from an Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test?
ED has many different causes, and often, several factors could play a part. It could be a sign of an underlying health condition like heart disease, diabetes, or a thyroid condition. ED can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone.
Other potential causes include taking certain medications like diuretics and antidepressants, lifestyle factors such as being overweight and smoking, and mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Being over 40 also puts you at higher risk of ED.
What's Included?
How to prepare for your test
Special Instructions
Prepare for your Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test by following these instructions. Please take your sample before 10am. Avoid fatty foods for eight hours before your test, you do not need to fast. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, we strongly recommend selecting a venous sample to minimise contamination sometimes seen with finger-prick tests. Otherwise, administer any hormone supplements using gloves, and make sure your fingers have not been in contact with hormone supplements for at least four weeks before taking the test. Hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin even after minimal contact and remain there for weeks despite vigorous handwashing. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
You may have ED if you regularly have:
-Trouble getting an erection
-Difficulty maintaining an erection
-Reduced interest in sex
If you have any of these symptoms regularly, you should speak to your doctor to check the underlying cause and see if treatment is required.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
ED is very common, particularly in men over 40 — it’s reported that ED affects up to half of men above this age to some degree.
Can erectile dysfunction be cured?
Most cases of ED are treatable. However, even if your ED cannot be cured, the right treatment may be able to reduce your symptoms. Many options are available, and depending on the cause of your ED, they could include medication, counselling and therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Can I take an erectile dysfunction test at home?
Yes, you can choose to have a nurse visit you at your home to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm (a venous sample). You can also take our blood test for erectile dysfunction at one of our nationwide partner clinics at a time that suits you.
Lifestyle changes to improve ED
Although medication may be the best treatment for some cases of ED, there are still many things you can do that could help to reduce your symptoms. Healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help, such as losing weight if you’re overweight, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, and taking steps to reduce your stress levels. These changes can also help boost your libido (sex drive).
Can erectile dysfunction be a sign of heart disease?
Trouble getting or keeping an erection may seem like a problem that’s just ‘down there’, but it can be a sign of heart disease. Getting an erection depends on a healthy blood flow, so anything that interferes with that flow can cause problems.
Atherosclerosis (where your arteries become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through them) accounts for up to half of cases of ED. And high blood pressure is the next most common cardiac cause.
With cardiovascular disease accounting for most cases of ED, it’s important to check out the underlying causes as soon as possible.
Treatments for erectile dysfunction
If you’re diagnosed with ED, there are many treatment options. For instance, if your ED is caused by high cholesterol, you may be prescribed medications such as statins, which can lower the level of bad cholesterol in your blood.
There are also medications for hormonal imbalances such as testosterone replacement therapy. You can read more about testosterone and men’s health in our Testosterone Hub.
Another standard treatment for ED is sildenafil (Viagra), which increases blood flow to the penis. And if your ED is thought to be a side effect of medication, there may be alternatives you can try.
Therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling may be recommended if your doctor thinks your ED could be due to a psychological issue.