Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction (cont.)

Medical Author:

Stephen W Leslie, MD, FACS

Medical Editor:

Bradley Fields Schwartz, DO, FACS

Medical Editor:

Mary L Windle, PharmD

Medical Editor:

Martin I Resnick, MD

Laboratory testing is needed for some men. Tests such as these may be performed:

Your hormonal status for testosterone (the male hormone) is evaluated, particularly if one of your symptoms is low sexual desire (low libido).
- Blood tests for testosterone should ideally be taken early in the morning because that is when levels are usually at their highest.
- Blood may also be tested for other hormones that can affect sexual function (eg, luteinizing hormone, prolactin).
Your blood may be checked for glucose (sugar), cholesterol, thyroid function, triglycerides, and prostate specific antigen (PSA).
A urinalysis looking for blood cells, protein, and glucose (sugar) may also be done.