Symptom → lab tests
What blood tests are used for erectile dysfunction?
Short answer
Erectile dysfunction is often the first sign of a vascular or metabolic problem, so the workup checks more than testosterone: total and free testosterone with SHBG, hemoglobin A1c and glucose, a lipid panel, TSH and prolactin. Low testosterone explains a minority of cases; blood-sugar and cholesterol findings are at least as common.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When should you see a clinician instead of ordering a test?
- An erection lasting more than 4 hours — emergency care
- ED with chest pain, shortness of breath on exertion or leg pain when walking — cardiovascular evaluation soon
Why these tests for erectile dysfunction?
Erections depend on blood flow and nerves, both damaged by diabetes and atherosclerosis — which is why ED can precede heart disease by years. Testosterone deficiency lowers desire and firmness; high prolactin and thyroid disease are less common but treatable causes. Medications and psychological factors round out the list.
Which conditions do these tests help evaluate?
- Erectile Dysfunction — Testosterone, lipids, glucose and other markers linked to ED.
- Low Testosterone — Total + free testosterone, SHBG and related hormones for men's hormonal health.
- Heart Disease Risk — Lipid panel, ApoB, Lp(a) and hs-CRP for a fuller cardiovascular risk picture.
Which tests, and what do they cost?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile Dysfunction PanelSaves $124.94 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 7 tests | $114.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Men's Hormone PanelSaves $63.94 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 7 tests | $199.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Heart Health PanelSaves $47.96 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 5 tests | $99.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| Testosterone, Free & Total | Test · 2 biomarkers | $54.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | Test | $34.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Hemoglobin A1c | Test | $21.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
| Lipid Panel | Test · 4 biomarkers | $24.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) | Test | $26.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Prolactin | Test | $39.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
If my testosterone is normal, why test for ED?
Because ED is more often vascular or metabolic than hormonal. A1c and the lipid panel look for the causes that also raise heart-attack risk.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.