ED is a common sexual disorder that can be extremely distressing for affected males. The condition can hamper all aspects, including your personal and professional lives.
It is often linked to embarrassment and shame, due to which men are hesitant to consult sexologists. However, the option of an at-home erectile dysfunction test has made it possible to test yourself and get the required treatment thereafter.
In this blog, we will talk about various at-home erectile dysfunction tests and also find out more about the method and efficacy.
At-Home Erectile Dysfunction Tests
The primary purpose of an at-home erectile dysfunction test is to provide an initial assessment of erectile function in a comfortable and private setting.
These tests may help identify whether ED is primarily due to physical or psychological factors, which further guides diagnosis and treatment.
Here are the main benefits of an at-home erectile dysfunction test:
- Privacy and Convenience: At-home erectile dysfunction tests offer the major benefit of privacy and an alternative to visiting a doctor. It is especially beneficial for men who feel embarrassed or anxious about discussing sexual health.
- Initial Screening: These tests can act as an initial assessment and find out if any physical issues are causing erectile difficulties.
- Monitoring Progress: Other than diagnosis, these tests can also help in tracking the efficacy and current status of erectile dysfunction in men.
- Cost-Effective: At-home testing can also be a more reasonable option for diagnosis and monitoring progress as compared to other alternatives.
Types of At-Home Erectile Dysfunction Tests
There are several types of at-home erectile dysfunction tests available that differ in functionality and provide different types of information.
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) Test: This test is used to measure the number and quality of erections that occur during sleep. Supposedly, healthy men should have multiple erections during the night. If these are absent, it can indicate a physical cause of ED.
It can be done with an NPT test kit which includes an elastic band or electronic device to measure nocturnal erections. The instructions are usually provided in the leaflet present in the kit.
The procedure is usually simple as you have to place the band or device around the base of the penis before going to bed. Just make sure it is carefully placed and is not too tight.
The device will monitor the erections that happen all through the night. You can remove the band the next morning and record the results.
Some devices can give you readings straight away while others may need a sexologist to interpret the results.
The evidence of nocturnal erections suggests that the physical aspects are normal and working and there might be psychological factors that are contributing to the erectile dysfunction.
However, if there are no erections recorded, it might indicate physical issues that need further investigation.
It is important to note that the procedure is more or less outdated and there are newer investigations that are available and mostly done at the sexologist’s office.
Blood Tests: There are few blood tests available in the form of packages that allow erectile dysfunction diagnosis.
The kits allow blood sample collection from home and the tests include checking various factors that could contribute to erectile issues like
-Blood sugar
-Cholesterol
-Thyroid
-Hormonal levels like testosterone
-Liver and kidney function tests
Other than these, more variables are tested in the procedure which can help in identifying the root cause.
You can order a blood test kit from a reputable provider. These kids usually have prick tests that need a finger prick and can be done at home. Others may offer the option of getting a sample collected from home via a technician.
The samples in both cases are sent to the designated laboratory and the results are sent in a few days. The results mostly need interpretation and consultation with a sexologist.
Questionnaires and Surveys: There are a few comprehensive questionnaires, the most common one is the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). It helps in assessing the severity of ED and its impact on quality of life.
These can be completed on your own in the comfort of your home and might need a review by a sexologist to accurately diagnose the condition.
You should aim at getting your hands on only reputable ED questionnaires which can be easily found online or from your sexologist’s office.
It is critical for the sake of accuracy that you should answer all questions honestly and thoroughly. You might feel like not giving in too many details about your sexual functioning, frequency of erections, overall satisfaction, or other aspects.
But the whole point of filling up a questionnaire is to be honest and find out if you suffer from the dysfunction. You can either check the results from the online platform or submit the completed survey to your sexologist for evaluation.
The results can surely help you to determine the severity of ED and also suggest the required steps for the future.
Online Telehealth Consultations: With the advancements in technology, many sexologists offer virtual consultations to evaluate your symptoms, review test results, and also to recommend appropriate treatments or further testing.
Now, talking to an expert is as easy as it can be and you simply talk to a sexologist from the comfort of your home. Try to make a wise decision and only choose a reputed platform for the services.
Book an online consultation at a convenient time. You can directly connect with a sexologist at said time and discuss your medical history, symptoms, and other details that they may need. Always be honest with the details to help them guide you better.
During the consultation, the sexologist will evaluate your symptoms and order a few tests if required. They will also diagnose the condition and highlight the root cause. The sexologist will provide different treatment options to help you rectify erectile difficulties.
You can also opt for follow-up appointments as required to monitor the progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
While these are common at-home tests you can take up for detecting erectile difficulties, there are many more options available at the sexologist’s office. You should try to overcome the hesitation and talk to a good sexologist to begin your journey to sexual wellness.
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Bottom Line
At-home erectile dysfunction tests are an excellent option for men who are not willing to go out and talk to a sexologist. They offer a private, convenient, and cost-effective way to begin understanding and addressing this condition.
However, it is essential to remember that these tests are just one part of the path to diagnosing and treating ED. At the same time, it is important to understand the need to consult with a sexologist to receive a full evaluation, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.