Erectile Dysfunction Screen

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects many men at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a range of factors, including physical health conditions, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors. A blood test can help identify underlying causes of ED, so the right treatment can be offered.

The following blood are including in our Erectile Dysfunction screening test:

Lipid Profile

• What is it?
  • A lipid profile is a blood test that measures the levels of fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Why is it important for ED?
  • High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides can contribute to the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, leading to poor blood flow to the penis. By measuring lipid levels, it can determine if cardiovascular problems are contributing to your symptoms.
• What does it measure?
  • Total cholesterol
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – often referred to as "bad" cholesterol
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – the "good" cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)

• What is it?
  • Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a measure of the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It reflects how well your blood sugar has been controlled over time.
• Why is it important for ED?
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or poor blood sugar management can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to erectile dysfunction. By testing HbA1c, your doctor can assess whether diabetes or prediabetes might be playing a role in your ED.
• What does it measure?
  • The percentage of haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is attached to glucose (sugar).

Prolactin

• What is it?
  • Prolactin is a hormone primarily involved in milk production in women, but it is also present in men.
• Why is it important for ED?
  • High levels of prolactin in men can interfere with sexual function, including causing low libido and erectile dysfunction. This condition is called hyperprolactinemia and can be caused by various factors, including pituitary gland problems.
• What does it measure?
  •  The amount of prolactin hormone in the blood.

Testosterone

• What is it?
  • Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that plays a key role in libido (sexual drive), muscle mass, and bone health.
• Why is it important for ED?
  • Low testosterone levels are a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but other factors, such as obesity, chronic illness, or certain medications, can also contribute to lower levels. Testing for testosterone levels helps identify if hormonal imbalances are contributing to ED.
• What does it measure?
  • The amount of testosterone in the blood, usually measured in the morning when levels are highest.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

• What is it?
  • TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that helps regulate the thyroid gland, which is responsible for metabolism and energy production.
• Why is it important for ED?
  • An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can affect erectile function. Thyroid imbalances can influence mood, energy levels, and sexual health, leading to symptoms such as ED. Testing for TSH helps determine if thyroid dysfunction could be contributing to your symptoms.
• What does it measure?
  • The level of TSH in the blood, which reflects thyroid function.

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for these blood tests. However, you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the test, particularly for the lipid profile and HbA1c test.

Be sure to inform the phlebotomist about any medications or supplements you are taking, as these could affect the test result

£80.00