THE HOME ERECTION TEST
Because of the considerable expense and inconvenience of sleep lab tests, cheaper at-home versions of the NPT test have been developed. These take-home varieties can actually measure how many erections you have during the night, and how long each one lasts. Usually, you just carry home a little suitcase containing equipment similar to that used in the sleep lab. The device is safe and quite accurate when used properly. Be sure you get an in-office demonstration so you understand just how to use the device before you take it home.
Some of the take-home tests have a beeper that goes off when an erection registers, so the man or his partner can check the firmness. One home NPT test monitors the rigidity itself. But many of these tests do not test firmness, which is certainly an important factor.
Other at-home tests, while useful, can only measure one erection per night. There are essentially two types: the Snap-Gauge and the stamp test. The Snap-Gauge is a piece of Velcro which is placed around the penis. As the penis expands and becomes rigid, little plastic bands on the gauge will break, indicating that a firm erection has taken place. However, it can’t measure how long the erection lasts. Like all other types of NPT tests, this one doesn’t hurt. And it is easy to use.
Another alternative is the use of commercially available stamps, called PotenTest, made specifically to test erection capability. Like the other methods, you place the stamps around your penis and go to sleep. The stamps break along the perforation when you have an erection.
Both the Snap-Gauge and the stamps have drawbacks. They don’t measure the length or the frequency of erections. Most men normally would have several erections during the course of a single night, and this information is not collected by these methods. Furthermore, if you roll over or are a very active sleeper, both the stamps and the gauge may falsely indicate an erection.
There’s one method that requires no equipment at all—you just need a willing partner who will observe you while you sleep to see if you have any erections. If you do, she can feel the penis to determine rigidity. For this test to be accurate, your partner has to stay awake all night. You have to lie on your back or side—this won’t work for stomach sleepers! Trying this once should be enough. If it doesn’t work, you can use another technique to get the same information. Not all partners want or are able to stay up all night, but finding out that you have just one normal erection is an important piece of information to share with your doctor.
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Tags: Men’s Health