Compare Panels (Quest Diagnostics Panels Only)

ED Test Panel: All You Need To Know

ED Panel Includes Main Hormones Involved with Erectile Function:

• Prolactin
• Total Testosterone (LC/MS)
• Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration)
• Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
• DHT
• TSH
• Free T3
• Free T4

Hormone tests included in the ED test panel

This Erectile Dysfunction (ED) test panel is designed to measure hormones that can significantly impact erectile function. Research has shown strong correlations between hormone imbalances and ED, making these tests crucial for assessing and addressing potential causes of ED. Let's delve into each hormone and its connection to ED, backed by scientific studies:

1. Prolactin: Elevated levels of prolactin have been associated with ED and decreased libido. A study published in the "Journal of Sexual Medicine" found a clear link between hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) and sexual dysfunction in men [1].
2. Total and Free Testosterone (LC/MS): Low levels of testosterone, both total and free, have been consistently linked to ED and reduced libido. Research published in the "International Journal of Impotence Research" has highlighted the importance of adequate testosterone levels for healthy erectile function [2].
3. Ultra Sensitive Estradiol: Both high and low levels of estradiol have been associated with decreased libido. A study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" discussed the complex relationship between estradiol levels and sexual desire [3].
4. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): Insufficient levels of DHT have been correlated with reduced libido. While there is ongoing research in this area, a study in "The Aging Male" journal suggested a potential link between DHT levels and sexual function [4].
5. TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Elevated TSH levels can indicate hypothyroidism, which has been connected to ED and decreased libido. A study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" explored the relationship between thyroid function and sexual health [5].
6. Free T3: Low levels of free T3 have been associated with ED and reduced libido. Research in the "Journal of Sexual Medicine" highlighted the impact of thyroid hormones on sexual function [6].
7. Free T4: Abnormal levels of free T4, especially in conjunction with low free T3, may be linked to decreased libido. Studies in the "Journal of Sexual Medicine" have examined the interplay of thyroid hormones and sexual desire [7].

By analyzing these hormone levels, the ED test panel aims to provide valuable insights into potential hormone-related causes of erectile dysfunction, enabling targeted interventions and improving overall sexual health.

What is ED and how can it be treated?

Erectile dysfunction (also known more commonly as impotence or sexual dysfunction) is the inability to maintain a sufficiently rigid erection for a satisfying sexual experience.

According to the Global Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors, erectile dysfunction affects approximately 5-28% of men aged 40–80 years. The study was done on adults from 29 different countries.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man experiences difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse. It affects approximately 5-28% of men aged 40–80 years, according to the Global Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Medication, endocrine disorders, neurogenic disorders, vasculogenic disorders, psychogenic factors, and other underlying conditions, such as heart disease, can all be causes of ED. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional can diagnose ED after conducting a thorough examination and asking the patient about their medical history. The healthcare professional may also use specialized tests to further evaluate the condition. Seeking medical advice and discussing symptoms in English or any preferred language is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

To diagnose ED, doctors may use questionnaires or lab testing. Before treating ED, doctors assess the health of the cardiovascular system to determine if it is healthy enough for sexual activity. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly, can also help manage ED.

Erectile dysfunction causes

This type of health problem can have multiple causes and the most common ones are:

• Pharmacologic – caused by different types of medications such as antidepressants, analgesic narcotics, antiulcers, antihypertensives, etc. There are more than 200 medications which have been associated with sexual dysfunction and some of them decrease the testosterone levels which in turn lower erection rigidity, sex drive, etc.
• Endocrinologic – this refers to testosterone deficiency and hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement therapy could help in this case, but it might not be sufficient to achieve hard erections, and it must be combined with other treatment options. Diabetes is a disease which might be linked to ED because it causes damage to the microvasculature of the body as well as the nervous system.
• Neurogenic – caused by aging or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Neurogenic causes refer to damages to the nervous system and can include strokes, injuries to spinal cord, etc. These health problems can severely affect erection quality regardless of age.
• Vasculogenic – affections such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels can also cause erectile dysfunction. Men with blood pressure higher than 130/85, a body mass index over 30 as well as triglycerides over 150 mg/dL are at risk of developing ED at some point in the future.
• Psychogenic – this refers to improper stress management, feelings of guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, internal sexual conflict, etc. Men who have very stressful lives are more likely to have weak erections as well as poor libido.

It is worth mentioning that unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise can drastically increase the likelihood of developing impotence for men of all ages.

Before treating ED, doctors first assess the health of the cardiovascular system (heart, veins, and arteries) to determine if it is healthy enough for proper sexual activity. A high cardiac risk might indicate that the patient needs treatment for a heart condition first, before receiving treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction management and treatment options beyond testosterone

Impotence or sexual dysfunction is treated in small steps and it begins by changing lifestyle risk factors such as quitting smoking, lowering alcohol consumption, switching to a healthier diet, engaging in regular physical activities, etc.

PDE-5 inhibitors

The next step is to take advantage of first-line medical therapies such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is). These substances lead to increased smooth muscle tone and should be taken approximately 1 hour before sexual intercourse and up to 12 hours for T a d a l a f i l.

Men of all ages can use these PDE-5 inhibitors because they are well-known to be safe, with the exception of those who regularly take nitrates. Some people respond better to certain types of inhibitors, so trying more than just a single substance is recommended for achieving the desired results.

Vacuum Erection Device

There are numerous types of vacuum erection devices on the market, and most of them generally consist of a cylinder that is placed on the penis and creates an airtight seal around the body, causing negative pressure and improving blood flow. A constriction band is placed at the base of the penis to maintain an erection and allow sexual intercourse after the cylinder is removed.

This type of treatment is considered second-line therapy for sexual dysfunction and is a non-invasive way of treating it. Manufacturers create VEDs of various sizes, and they ship them with instruction manuals to help patients use the cylinders properly to achieve an erection.

Intraurethral Suppositories

This treatment option consists of inserting small suppositories into the urethra to allow smooth muscle relaxation. The penis is massaged with both hands to allow the corpora cavernosa to absorb the medicine. One of the most common side effects of this treatment option is penile pain, but it can be a practical treatment option for certain people. The first intraurethral suppository might be administered under medical supervision to prevent unwanted injuries to the shaft. During an injection test, a health care professional may administer the injection directly into the penis or insert the medicine into the urethra instead.

Intracavernosal Injections

Patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction might also want to try intracavernosal injections which are formulated with a special substance that inhibits vasoconstriction. This allows the patient to achieve a satisfying erection and this method is considered to be one of the safest and most common treatment options for ED.

The first injection is done under medical supervision to avoid damaging important areas of the penis such as the urethra or penile nerves. Once the patients get over the anxiety of having needles into their penis, they can learn how to administer injections on their own.

Bimix, Trimix, and Quadmix injections are good examples of intracavernosal injections for achieving hard erections. They are available by prescription from different pharmacies.

Penile Implant Surgery

The third-line therapy for ED consists of penile implant surgery which means inserting non-inflatable implants into the penis.

There are 2-piece and 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis which can be inserted into the penis. A small pump is inserted into the scrotum and helps to inflate the implants when an erection is required. Although there is the possibility of developing infections, penile implant surgery is a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction and it can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Conclusion

Although erectile dysfunction is still a taboo subject for some people, this medical condition has been heavily researched, and one of the best and easiest ways to diagnose ED is by using blood tests to detect hormone imbalances. A doctor, such as a urologist, diagnoses erectile dysfunction (ED) with a medical and sexual history, and a mental health and physical exam. Only a urologist can provide an official diagnosis and what the possible reasons for a patient’s erectile dysfunction could be. You may find it difficult to talk with a health care professional about ED. However, remember that a healthy sex life is part of a healthy life. The more your doctor knows about you, the more likely he or she can help treat your hormonal problems. Multiple treatment options have been created to help patients achieve sexual satisfaction. Ultrasound, sometimes called Doppler ultrasound, is another diagnostic tool that can be used to check blood flow to the penis. It uses sound waves to create a video of your blood vessels so your doctor can look at blood flow.

Patients who are not happy with their sexual performance in bed should make the first and most important step and visit a doctor to get more information about ED, getting adequate physical examination as well as treatment. If it looks more likely that a mental or emotional issue is the source of the problem, your doctor will ask you standard questions about your mental well-being, including how often you find sexual intercourse satisfying, how you would rate your level of sexual desire, and how often you’re able to climax, or orgasm, and ejaculate. Luckily, medical improvements are made each year and treatment strategies are refined and enhanced, so treating impotence is increasingly safer and easier these days!

DiscountedLabs.com offers affordable blood tests you can order online in the United States without the need of a doctor's visit. We have no hidden fees and have an easy ordering process.

References:

1. Exton MS, et al. (2001). Neuroendocrine response to film-induced sexual arousal in men and women. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(5), 499-5101
2. Corona G, et al. (2009). Testosterone supplementation and sexual function: A meta-analysis study. International Journal of Impotence Research, 21(5), 247-2562
3. Simon JA, et al. (2006). The relation of serum levels of estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin to sexual function in postmenopausal women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(3), 936-9433
4. Moein MR, et al. (2014). The effects of dihydrotestosterone on sexual behavior, androgen receptor, and aromatase in orchidectomized rats. The Aging Male, 17(3), 161-1664
5. Corona G, et al. (2008). Thyroid hormones and male sexual function. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(8), 3078-30865
6. Yap BL, et al. (2015). Relationship between male testosterone and libido. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(6), 1217-12276
7. La Torre A, et al. (2012). Thyroid function and male sexual function: A new link? Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(2), 620-6267

No fasting required.