Urethral swab: A swab of the inside of the penis is sent for culture. A urethral swab may diagnose urethritis or other infections.
Urinalysis: A test of various chemicals present in urine. A urinalysis may detect infection, bleeding, or kidney problems.
Nocturnal penis tumescence testing (erection testing): An elastic device worn on the penis at night can detect erections during sleep. This test can help identify the cause of erectile dysfunction.
Urine culture: Culturing the urine in the lab can help diagnose a urinary tract infection that might affect the penis.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A urine test that can detect gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other organisms that affect the penis.
Penis Treatments
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors: These medicines (such as sildenafil or Viagra) enhance the flow of blood to the penis, making erections harder.
Antibiotics: Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other bacterial infections of the penis can be cured with antibiotics.
Antiviral medicines: Taken daily, medicines to suppress HSV can prevent herpes outbreaks on the penis.
Penis surgery: Surgery can correct hypospadias, and may be necessary for penis cancer.
Testosterone: Low testosterone by itself rarely causes erectile dysfunction. Testosterone supplements may improve erectile dysfunction in some men.