Used when it can answer a clinical question.
RigiScan-type nocturnal penile tumescence testing measures changes in penile circumference and rigidity during sleep. It may help in selected cases when a clinician needs objective information about nocturnal erections. It is not necessary for most people with erectile dysfunction and is interpreted alongside the full clinical picture.
Why it may be requested
- Record nocturnal erectile activity over a sleep period
- Add objective information in selected complex cases
- Support differentiation of contributing factors when clinically useful
What usually happens
- A clinician first decides whether the test would add useful information
- The device is fitted according to protocol for overnight recording
- Rigidity and tumescence data are captured
- Results are reviewed with medical, psychological and relationship factors
Preparation and safety
One night of data can be affected by sleep quality and environment, so results should not be interpreted in isolation.
Bring a current list of medicines and relevant reports. The clinical team can tell you whether fasting, bladder preparation or medication precautions apply to your test.
This page is educational and cannot determine the cause of an individual symptom. Treatment choices, prescription medicines and tests require a clinician who knows your history. If symptoms are sudden, severe or accompanied by an emergency warning sign, seek urgent medical care.