Testing
Clients who attend The Male Health Centres will have different needs in terms of both testing and treatment. Some tests we provide include:
Psychological
i) Your history is the most important assessment tool. Please be sure to tell us all your concerns.
ii) A psychological questionnaire can be helpful, but only if the responder is honest. The questionnaire looks at factors such as anxiety, stress and depression.
iii) The doctor may order a nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test which monitors night-time erectile activity. there may be additional test as well as referral to a psychologist or sex therapist.
iv) Sexual function questionnaire.
Hormonal tests
i) Blood test assess your hormonal balance, if necessary.
Neurological
i) Biothesiometry is a quick, easy and accurate test to screen for nerve damage, consisting of a simple vibration test.
ii) Postural hypotension is another simple test for nerve damage. The nurse compares lying and standing blood pressure. This is performed only if nerve damage is suspected.
iii) In rare cases, a referral to a neurologist is arranged and he may order additional tests.
Vascular
i) A penile Duplex Doppler ultrasound assesses blood flow to the penis. It may indicate the presence of hardening of the arteries, aneurysm or determine venous leakage.
The test itself is an ultrasound test, and is therefore non-invasive. However, a drug which stimulates the vessels to dilate is given by injection.