What is an erection self-test?

An erection self-test is a procedure a man can do himself to determine whether the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is physical or psychological. It is also known as the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) stamp test.

Why is an erection self-test performed?

The test is done to see if you have an erection at night. Men who have normal physiological erectile function experience an erection during normal sleep. According to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, the average healthy pubescent male will have between three to five spontaneous erections per night, lasting from 30 to 60 minutes each.

Physical, emotional or mental problems can lead to erectile dysfunction. This test helps determine if your ED is caused by physical problems. The test is considered outdated. There are a variety of ways it can be conducted. More reliable tests, such as the NPT test using a RigiScan, are now available.

A RigiScan is a portable home device used to assess the quality of nocturnal penile erections. The portable, battery-powered unit is strapped around the thigh. It is equipped with two loops connected to a direct current torque motor. One loop goes around the base of the penis and the other is placed below the area of the penis before the glans. Throughout the night, the machine repeatedly measures how much blood is in your penis (tumescence) and how hard your erection is. This test can be repeated several nights in a row. Each night's results are stored in the machine for your doctor to download and review.

The penile plethysmograph is another test that is sometimes used to distinguish between physical and psychological erectile dysfunction. This device measures your erection while watching or listening to sexual material. This may include viewing pictures, watching pornographic slides or movies, or listening to sexually stimulating audio. During the test, penile sleeves are connected to a pulse volume recorder (plethysmograph) that displays and records waves of blood to the penis.

These are just a few tests used in place of the well-known stamp test and are generally more accurate. It's also getting harder and harder to find postage stamps (used in the test) that aren't already affixed to the back. The biggest benefit of the erection self test is that it allows you to test yourself if you are too embarrassed to discuss it with a doctor.

How to prepare for an erection self test

You will need to buy four to six postage stamps. The denomination of the stamps does not matter, but they must have dry glue on the back. Stamps are the most convenient option, but there are other alternatives. If you don't have stamps, you can use a strip of paper. The paper strip should be 1 inch wide and long enough to go around the penis with a slight overlap. The paper can be protected with a 2.5 cm piece of tape. Refrain from alcohol or any other sleeping chemical for two nights before the test. These can prevent erections. You should also avoid caffeine to ensure a good night's sleep.

How an erection self test is performed

Steps

Wear briefs or boxers before going to bed. Take enough stamps to circle the shaft of your penis. Pull the flaccid penis through the opening in the underwear. Moisten one of the stamps on the roller and roll the stamps around your penis.

Overlap the stamps on the roll to make sure they stay in place and stay in place. It should be comfortable enough for the seals to break if you get an erection. Put your penis back inside your underwear and go to bed.

For best results, sleep on your back so the stamps aren't disturbed by your movement. Do this three nights in a row.

Results

Check to see if the roll of stamps is broken when waking up in the morning. You may have had an erection while sleeping if the seals are broken. This may indicate that your penis is physically working properly.

Risks

There are no risks associated with an erection self-test.

After an erection self-test

Not breaking the scroll of seals while sleeping could be an indication that your ED is caused by a physical problem. This test only tells you if you are capable of having an erection. This will not explain why you are having trouble getting or keeping an erection.

Failure to get an erection during sex can be psychological in nature. Make an appointment with your doctor if you are having trouble getting or keeping an erection.

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