Erectile Dysfunction

This profile investigates some of the common physical and hormonal factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is very common and often has an underlying cause that can be identified and treated, such as a hormone imbalance, diabetes, or raised cholesterol affecting blood flow. By checking these factors together, this profile helps build a clearer picture of what may be contributing and can guide the most appropriate treatment.

Hormone check

Hormone imbalances are an important and treatable cause of ED and reduced sex drive:

• Testosterone (total and calculated free): the main male sex hormone. Low levels can reduce sex drive and contribute to ED
• SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin): a protein that binds testosterone, used to work out how much testosterone is actually available to the body
• Prolactin: a hormone that, when raised, can lower testosterone and affect sexual function
• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): checks thyroid function, as both an underactive and overactive thyroid can affect sexual function and energy

Blood sugar

Diabetes is one of the most common physical causes of ED, as raised blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels involved:

• Glucose and HbA1c: check for diabetes and how well blood sugar is being controlled

Cardiovascular health

Good blood flow is essential for an erection, so the health of your heart and blood vessels is closely linked to ED:

• Cholesterol panel (total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL, and ratios): raised cholesterol can narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow. ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of wider cardiovascular problems
• Albumin: a general marker of overall health and protein status

Why it matters

Erectile dysfunction is common, treatable, and often linked to an underlying health condition that is worth identifying in its own right. Importantly, ED can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, so investigating it is valuable for your wider health as well as your sexual wellbeing. Your results are best discussed with your GP, who can consider them alongside your symptoms and advise on the most suitable treatment and next steps.