On the path to better erections, we can begin with a simple self-examination using an erection test.
Every healthy man experiences nocturnal spontaneous erections several times a night. This erection, also known as NPT (Nocturnal Penile Tumescence), is entirely independent of his psyche. According to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, it occurs 3-6 times per night, with each lasting 30-60 minutes.
As men age, the number of nocturnal erections and their duration naturally decrease.
The test, which can be done at home, is very simple, convenient, and requires no significant preparation or cost. It occurs during sleep and should be prepared just before going to bed. By affixing a perforated strip of paper similar to a sheet of postage stamps (postage stamps can also be used) around the penis, you can determine whether spontaneous nocturnal or morning erections occur.
To perform the test, you will need:
- Perforated strip of paper similar to a sheet of postage stamps (you can use actual postage stamps purchased at the post office or newsstand).
- Thin adhesive tape.
Test Procedure:
- Wrap the perforated strip of paper (or strip of postage stamps) once around the penis in a relaxed (non-erect) state and trim it so that the maximum overlap of the end sections is 1 cm. This will create a ring from the strip.
Note that the ring must not press and constrict the penis, but it should also not freely move up and down the length of the penis. - Join the ends of the perforated strip of paper together with a small piece of adhesive tape. The adhesive tape should be as thin as possible and should only be used at the joint - it should not cover the entire circumference of the strip; this would result in the loss of the desired effect. If you have a strip of postage stamps, you can moisten a portion of the reverse side of the end stamp to join the ends of the strip without using adhesive tape.
- Go to sleep. The test can begin.
If the strip breaks or is at least damaged in several places by morning, then erections are demonstrably occurring, and the problem is very likely "in the head," meaning it is a psychological cause (more in the article “Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction”).
If the test strip shows no signs of damage, such findings should be discussed with a doctor.
You might also be interested in: Erectile Dysfunction Test by Questionnaire
Also: Treatment and Correction of Erectile Dysfunction and How a Doctor's Visit Works
Author: Ava Williams
