Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer
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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 blood tests are done for erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by diabetes, raised cholesterol, thyroid health, and hormones (such as raised prolactin and low testosterone). Our Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test includes biomarkers that check for these most common causes.
How does an erectile dysfunction blood test work?
Our Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test is a venous test, meaning a qualified professional will need to take your blood from a vein in your arm.
Erectile dysfunction - who's affected?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects 50% of men under the age of 50 and can be stressful for both men and their partners. The good news is that in many cases, ED can be treated either medically or with lifestyle changes.
ED is also known as impotence and is a sexual disorder described as the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough to have sex. Occasional ED isn’t uncommon and often occurs as a result of lifestyle factors such as stress or increased alcohol intake. Read more in our blog: all you need to know about erectile dysfunction.
Common causes of erectile dysfunction
ED is when it is hard to get or maintain an erection that’s firm enough for sex. There are many different causes of erectile dysfunction, including:
• Restricted blood flow to the penis
• A hormone deficiency
• Medication side effects
• Anxiety and depression
Treatments for erectile dysfunction
How to treat ED will vary depending on the underlying cause and could require a combination of treatments. With our Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test, you’ll get health insights into the common causes of ED along with advice and actions you may need to take in relation to your cholesterol, hormone health, or diabetes status.
Treatments for erectile dysfunction include:
• Medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, such as statins.
• Hormone medication to help balance hormones, such as testosterone replacement therapy.
• Viagra - a medication known as sildenafil that increases blood flow to the penis.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help too such as eating a healthy balanced diet, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) if you are experiencing ED due to a psychological condition.
Lifestyle changes for a healthy sex life
A lot of the time, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be reversed with simple lifestyle choices. And making these changes can not only help with your ED but also help with your sex life too.
Read more in our blog: ways to boost your libido (and sex life).