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Erection Problems Tests |
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Erection problem tests - Information on Erection problem Causes, NPT, Intracavernosal Injection Test and Doppler Ultrasound
Erection problem tests
Erection problem tests are used to find the cause for erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that results in the inability to have or maintain a penile erection. It is common for most men to have some erection problems during their life span; however, most of these tend to get resolved on their own. Most erectile problems are caused due to issues with the blood vessels and nerves or due to psychological issues.
A doctor normally tests the penis and testicles for problems when an individual reports symptoms of an erectile dysfunction. The doctor may also inquire about the sexual history of the patient. Once the physical examination is done, the following tests may be required:
• Blood pressure
• Blood test to check the levels of blood glucose, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid
• Complete blood count to analyze the cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Urine test
The doctor may prescribe erectile dysfunction drugs if the results of the basic tests mentioned below are normal.
Erection problem causes
It is important to know that an erectile dysfunction can be caused due to smoking, diabetes, alcohol addiction, and high levels of testosterone and thyroid hormones. Cholesterol causes thickening of the hearts arteries and is also known to cause an erectile dysfunction.
More tests to identify the exact cause of the erectile dysfunction may be asked for after the preliminary tests. Some of the erectile dysfunction tests are as follows.
NPT or Nocturnal penile tumescence test
This test is used to identify if the erectile dysfunction is caused due to a psychological issue and is a painless procedure. It is normal for most men to have at least 3 to 5 erections during deep sleep; having erections during deep sleep helps to rule out a possibility of erectile dysfunction due to physical reasons.
To perform this test a ring like device is snapped around the penis just before the patient goes to sleep. The ring like device has small plastic films that break during an erection. The test may also be done using a more advanced electrical device that helps to identify the exact length and rigidity of an erection during sleep.
Intracavernosal injection test
An erection is simulated with the aid of an injection to perform this test. Once the penis is erect the doctor can measure the length and fullness of the erection. The patient may feel a stinging pain at the base of the penis when the medicine is injected.
Doppler ultrasound
A Doppler ultrasound method uses ultrasonography to identify the path of blood flow within the penis. The doctor may inject a medicine to cause an erection before the test. The ultrasound method is painless; however, if an injection is used to create an erection, it may cause some stinging sensation.
It is also important to know that most erectile problems may be due to stress and anxiety and a simple routine of rest and a good diet can help to resolve it.
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Submitted on
May 27, 2010 |
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