Men's Sexual Health Test (ED)

About this test – Men's Sexual Health Test (ED)

Key Benefits

• Focused Sexual Health Insight: Helps assess hormone, thyroid, metabolic, lipid and prostate related markers that may be relevant to libido, erectile function and male wellbeing.

• At Home Blood Collection: Your blood sample is collected in the comfort of your home and taken for laboratory analysis.

• Appointment Arranged Within 48 Hours: A healthcare professional will contact you within 48 hours to arrange your appointment.

• UKAS Accredited Laboratory: Your sample is analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory.

• Fast Online Results: Secure online results are available within 1 to 3 working days.

What This Test Measures

Testosterone Status and Availability
Assesses total testosterone, SHBG, calculated free testosterone and free androgen index to help provide context around testosterone availability and androgen related patterns.

Hormone Regulation and Thyroid Function
Looks at prolactin and thyroid markers, which may be relevant for libido, energy, mood, metabolism and sexual wellbeing.

Blood Sugar and Lipid Health
Includes HbA1c and lipid markers that may provide context around metabolic and cardiovascular factors linked to erectile function and long term health.

Prostate Related Marker
Includes PSA to provide prostate related screening context as part of a broader men’s sexual health assessment.

How It Works

1. Order Your Test
Purchase your test online.

2. Arrange Your Appointment
A healthcare professional will contact you within 48 hours to arrange your at home blood collection appointment.

3. Blood Sample Collection
Your blood sample is collected in the comfort of your home.

4. Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory.

5. Receive Your Results
Access your secure online results within 1 to 3 working days.

Laboratory Quality and Accreditation

Your sample is analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory operating in accordance with ISO 15189 standards, the internationally recognised standard for medical laboratories.

The laboratory follows established procedures for sample handling, analysis and quality control to support accurate and reliable results. Your results are securely returned to GetTested and made available through your online account.

Preparation Instructions

• Appointment Timing: A morning appointment is recommended where possible, as testosterone and hormone levels can vary throughout the day.

• PSA Considerations: Avoid ejaculation and intense cycling for at least 48 hours before testing where possible, as these may affect PSA levels.

• Prolactin Considerations: Avoid sexual activity, nipple stimulation and unusually high stress shortly before your appointment where possible, as these may affect prolactin levels.

• Before Testing: Stay well hydrated before your appointment and avoid heavy alcohol intake or unusually intense exercise the day before your blood sample is collected.

• Medication and Hormone Treatment: Do not stop or change prescribed medication, testosterone treatment or hormone treatment unless advised by a healthcare professional.

• Biotin Supplements: Avoid high dose biotin supplements for at least 48 hours before testing, unless advised by a healthcare professional, as biotin may interfere with some thyroid blood test results.

Important

This test is not a substitute for urgent medical care. If you require immediate medical attention, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.

Biomarkers included – Men's Sexual Health Test (ED)

• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Testosterone Status and Availability — Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, primarily testosterone and estrogen, in the bloodstream. By binding these hormones, SHBG regulates their bioavailability, meaning only the 'free' or unbound hormones can interact with target cells and exert their biological effects. Therefore, SHBG levels are crucial for understanding the true hormon
• Testosterone Free (calculated): Testosterone Status and Availability — Free testosterone calculation determines the amount of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to proteins like SHBG or albumin, making it biologically active and available for use by tissues. It is a critical measure for assessing hormonal health because total testosterone levels can sometimes be misleading if binding protein levels are abnormally high or low.
• Free Androgen Index: Testosterone Status and Availability — The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a ratio calculated by comparing total testosterone levels to Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) to estimate the amount of 'free' or active testosterone in the bloodstream. It is a critical marker for assessing hyperandrogenism, helpfully identifying hormonal imbalances even when total testosterone levels appear within a normal range.
• Total Testosterone: Testosterone Status and Availability — Total testosterone is a measure of all testosterone circulating in the blood, both bound to proteins and unbound (free). It is the primary male sex hormone and plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues, as well as influencing muscle mass, bone density, and mood.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Hormone Regulation and Thyroid Function — Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. It is a critical indicator of thyroid health, used to screen for conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
• Prolactin: Hormone Regulation and Thyroid Function — Prolactin is a hormone primarily produced by the pituitary gland, best known for its role in stimulating milk production (lactation) after childbirth. It's important because abnormal levels can indicate various health issues, including pituitary tumors, infertility, and menstrual irregularities in women, or erectile dysfunction and decreased libido in men.
• Free Thyroxine (fT4): Hormone Regulation and Thyroid Function — Free Thyroxine (fT4) is the unbound, active form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine in the bloodstream. It's crucial for assessing thyroid function because it directly reflects the amount of hormone available to regulate metabolism, growth, and energy levels. Measuring fT4 helps diagnose and monitor conditions like hyperthyroidism (too much) or hypothyroidism (too little) thyroid hormone.
• HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health — HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by assessing the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells that is coated with sugar. It's a crucial indicator for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as persistently high levels denote poor long-term glucose control, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications. This test provides a more stable an
• HDL % of total: Heart and Lipid Health — The HDL percentage of total cholesterol is a ratio that compares 'good' HDL cholesterol to your overall cholesterol count. It is a critical marker for assessing cardiovascular risk, as it indicates how much of your total cholesterol is actively being cleared from the bloodstream rather than accumulating in the arteries.
• HDL Cholesterol: Heart and Lipid Health — HDL cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol, is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body. Higher levels of HDL are generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, as it helps prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. Measuring HDL levels is important
• Non-HDL Cholesterol: Heart and Lipid Health — Non HDL cholesterol represents the total amount of cholesterol carried by all cholesterol containing particles except HDL. This includes LDL cholesterol and other particles that may contribute to cholesterol buildup in blood vessels. Because it includes more cholesterol carrying particles than LDL alone, non HDL cholesterol can provide a broader view of lipid related cardiovascular risk. It may be
• LDL Cholesterol: Heart and Lipid Health — LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol to your tissues and arteries. High levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Measuring LDL levels is a key component of assessing cardiovascular health and determining the need for li
• Triglycerides: Heart and Lipid Health — Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. Your body uses triglycerides for energy, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. They are primarily measured to assess cardiovascular health and metabolic risk.
• Total Cholesterol: Heart and Lipid Health — Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL (bad), HDL (good), and other lipid components. While it provides a general overview of cholesterol levels, it's important to consider the individual levels of LDL and HDL for a more complete assessment of cardiovascular risk. High total cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• PSA Test: Prostate Related Marker — Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate gland. It is primarily used as a screening tool to detect prostate inflammation, enlargement, or cancer, as elevated levels can indicate potential issues requiring further investigation.

Frequently asked questions – Men's Sexual Health Test (ED)

Can this test help investigate erectile dysfunction?

This test can provide insight into hormone, thyroid, blood sugar, lipid and prostate related markers that may be relevant when exploring erectile function and sexual wellbeing.

Why are blood sugar and lipid markers included?

Blood sugar and cholesterol patterns can affect vascular and metabolic health, which may be relevant for erectile function, energy and long term male health.

Can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes, appointments can be rearranged. Please provide sufficient notice before your scheduled appointment.

What happens if my sample cannot be analysed?

If a sample is unsuitable for analysis, our customer support team will contact you with information about the next steps.

Customer reviews – Men's Sexual Health Test (ED)

4.7/5 (3)

• 5/5 — Detailed results and very professional service.
• 4/5 — Process was straightforward, though the instructions could be slightly clearer. Still a good way to check health markers at home.
• 5/5 — The kit was easy to use. Results arrived sooner than I expected.