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IMULAB

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction

£115.00 GBP
£115.00 GBP
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How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below

  • Collect your own sample at home  Free

    Self sampling kit containing everything you need to take your own finger prick blood sample sample at home.

  • Sample collection at a Superdrug Clinic  +£35.00

    Visit one of Superdrug's clinics across the UK where a healthcare professional will take your sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.

  • Sample collection at home with a nurse  +£59.00

    Book an appointment for one of our nurses to visit your home and take your blood sample from a vein your arm. 

  • Sample collection with your own healthcare professional  Free

    Make an appointment with a healthcare professional of your choice to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.

✅ Results expected within 2 working days

Do you suffer from erectile dysfunction? Our comprehensive blood test for erectile dysfunction examines the main causes of ED, including raised cholesterol, diabetes, and low testosterone levels.

We also test your thyroid hormones, which can have an impact on sexual function. By identifying the physical factors contributing to your ED, our test provides valuable insights to help you and your healthcare provider develop a targeted treatment plan to address your symptoms and improve your sexual health.

Book an appointment today with our partner clinics at Superdrug for a venous blood sample. Alternatively, you can choose to have one of our nurses or your own healthcare professional take your venous sample in the comfort of your own home. Results are normally available within 2 working days from receipt of your sample at our laboratory and delivered directly to you through our secure online patient portal.

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Cholesterol profile

Total cholesterol

The ratio of cholesterol to HDL is determined by dividing the total cholesterol level by the HDL cholesterol level. It is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease because it provides a good indication of the proportion of total cholesterol that is beneficial (i.e. high-density lipoprotein HDL). Tools used to evaluate the risk of heart disease, such as QRisk, use the cholesterol/HDL ratio to determine the probability of a heart attack.

LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a compound comprising lipids and proteins that conveys cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to different tissues in the body. When there is an excess of LDL cholesterol, which is also known as "bad cholesterol", it can result in the accumulation of fatty deposits within the walls of arteries, potentially causing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Non-HDL Cholesterol

The breakdown of your total cholesterol comprises two primary constituents, namely HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, harmful cholesterol types in your blood extend beyond LDL and encompass VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins that are believed to be even more detrimental than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is obtained by deducting your HDL cholesterol value from the total cholesterol value. Consequently, it incorporates all the non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. Thus, it is considered a better indicator of cardiovascular risk compared to total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The recommended non-HDL cholesterol level is below 4 mmol/L.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a substance present in the body that eliminates cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, where it is broken down and then removed from the body via bile. HDL cholesterol is usually referred to as "good cholesterol."

Total cholesterol: HDL

The Total Cholesterol to HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) ratio is a measure used to assess cardiovascular health. Total cholesterol represents the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, while HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries. By calculating the ratio between the two, it provides insights into the balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels. A lower ratio indicates a healthier cardiovascular profile, as it suggests a higher proportion of HDL cholesterol relative to total cholesterol. Monitoring and maintaining an optimal Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio is essential for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of lipid or fat that are present in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any extra calories, whether from carbohydrates or fat, into triglycerides, which are then carried to cells to be stored as fat. Triglycerides are later released by the body when they are needed for energy.

Hormones

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for male characteristics and is produced in the testicles of men, and to a much lesser extent, in the ovaries of women. It regulates sex drive and plays a crucial role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, but lower than normal levels can occur at any age, causing symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy. Women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, but it is equally important for regulating libido, muscle and fat distribution, and red blood cell formation. The normal reference range for testosterone levels varies slightly depending on the laboratory and population tested, but the British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, or when levels are below 12 nmol/L, especially in men who report symptoms of low testosterone or have low levels of free testosterone.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that is synthesized in the pituitary gland and is involved in the regulation of reproductive functions. Its main function is to stimulate lactation after delivery, and it is common for prolactin levels to increase substantially during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women.

Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. TSH levels increase when thyroid hormone levels are low, and decrease when thyroid hormone levels are high. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate problems with the thyroid gland, such as under or overproduction of thyroid hormones. It can also be a result of pituitary gland disorders.

Diabetes

HbA1c

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), also known as glycated haemoglobin, provides a measure of average glucose levels in the blood over a longer period than a simple blood glucose test. When glucose attaches to the haemoglobin in red blood cells, it forms glycated haemoglobin, which can be used to estimate the average level of sugar in the blood over the preceding 2-3 months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of around 12-16 weeks.

Sampling special instructions

Prepare for your Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test by following the instructions contained within your kit. It is advised to collect your sample before 10 am. Refrain from consuming fatty foods for eight hours prior to the test, and fasting is not required. If you are using hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, it is recommended to choose a venous sample collection method to minimise the potential contamination observed with finger-prick tests. In case you administer any hormone supplements, ensure to wear gloves and avoid any contact with hormone substances for at least four weeks before the test. Hormones can penetrate deep into the skin and persist for weeks, even with rigorous handwashing. Two days before the test, do not consume biotin supplements, and if you have been prescribed such supplements, discuss with your doctor whether to discontinue them before the test.