What is the Nocturnal Erection Test?
The nocturnal erection test determines the ability or inability to achieve an erection while you sleep. The test is done to confirm if you are able to achieve an erection at night. All men with normal erectile function achieve an erection during normal sleep known as a “nocturnal erection”. The test may be helpful in determining if the cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological or as the result of a physical or other disorder.
How to do the Nocturnal Erection Test
The test is usually done over three nights using a strip of four to six postage stamps.
The strip of stamps is wrapped around the shaft of the penis and moistened to seal the ring. When the stamp has dried, you should place your penis carefully inside your shorts that are worn to sleep in to help protect the stamps from falling off.
In the morning, check to see if the stamp ring has been broken along the perforations. If the tearing of the stamps awakens you during the night, check for an erection and how rigid the erection is. The test should be repeated until three nights of comfortable, uninterrupted sleep is achieved.
How to prepare for the Nocturnal Erection Test
Do not drink alcohol or take a sleep-inducing or sedative medication for at least 2 days before the test is done. Never discontinue any medications without first discussing it with your doctor.
What is a normal test result?
During at least one of the 3 nights, the ring of stamps is broken between any two stamps.
What abnormal results mean?
If the stamps are broken it may suggest that any erection problem is the result of psychological causes. If the stamps are not broken on any of the 3 nights it may indicate that the erection problem is related to physical or other conditions. See Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
See also
Can a Penis Pump Help with Penis Length?
Top 9 Supplements for Sexual Health
Causes of Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction
What’s Wrong with 4 Hour Erections?
Do I Have ED? – Take the 1 Minute Test
