Main content Tests for Erection Problems

    Tests for Erection Problems



    Risks

    Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test

    There are no problems from having the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test.

    Intracavernosal injection test

    The intracavernosal injection test has a small chance of causing:

    • Bleeding at the injection site.
    • Bruising or swelling around the injection site.
    • An erection that lasts for 3 or more hours. This condition, called priapism, is a rare side effect of some medicines used for this test. If priapism occurs, it usually can be reversed using another medicine.

    Doppler ultrasound

    There are no problems from an ultrasound test. If a device is used to cause an erection, you may have some mild discomfort. If a shot of medicine is used, you have the same chance for problems as the intracavernosal injection test.



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