Sex and Energy for Men

Sex and Energy for Men Tests evaluate the key systems that drive libido, erections, stamina, mood, and day-to-day vitality. Changes can come from hormone balance (testosterone, thyroid, prolactin, adrenal), cardiometabolic health(glucose, lipids), nutrient status (vitamin D, B12, iron), sleep, medicines, or stress. Because causes are often multifactorial, a structured lab plan clarifies what’s most actionable.

A proactive starting point pairs a morning total testosterone with a wellness screen (CBC, CMP, lipids, A1c, TSH). Add free T/SHBGLH/FSH, and prolactin if testosterone is borderline or symptoms persist. Consider estradiol (sensitive)DHEA-S, and AM cortisol when history suggests adrenal or estrogen balance issues. Testing supports screeningdiagnostic work-up, and monitoring, but it does not replace a clinician’s exam, shared decision-making, or imaging when indicated.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Sexual & urologic: low libido, fewer morning erections, erectile difficulties, reduced ejaculate volume

  • Energy & mood: daytime fatigue, low motivation, depressed mood, “brain fog,” poor sleep or snoring

  • Body composition: increased abdominal fat, decreased muscle mass/strength, gynecomastia

  • Thyroid/adrenal clues: cold or heat intolerance, palpitations, lightheadedness on standing, salt cravings

  • Cardiometabolic context: high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, prediabetes/diabetes, central weight gain

  • Medication/lifestyle factors: opioids, steroids, androgen-suppressing drugs, heavy alcohol use, possible sleep apnea

  • Seek urgent care now: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, confusion, priapism (>4 hours), acute testicular pain

All symptoms and risks should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect hormonal contributors (low total/free testosterone; abnormal LH/FSH; high prolactin; thyroid imbalance; adrenal signals)

  • Reveal cardiometabolic drivers that affect sexual function and energy (A1c, lipids, liver/kidney markers)

  • Establish baselines and trends to guide next steps with your clinician

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose by one value or replace a full clinical evaluation

  • Determine psychological, relationship, or sleep contributors on its own

  • Provide treatment or dosing advice—use results to plan with your clinician

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Total Testosterone (morning): first-line androgen screen; repeat AM if low/borderline.

  • Free Testosterone & SHBG: estimate bioavailable T, especially when total T is borderline or SHBG is altered (age, thyroid, liver, obesity).

  • LH & FSH: localize cause of low T—primary (testicular) vs central (pituitary/hypothalamic).

  • Prolactin: elevated levels can reduce libido and suppress gonadotropins; confirm persistent highs.

  • Thyroid Panel (TSH ± Free T4): thyroid disorders can mimic or worsen low energy and libido issues.

  • Estradiol (sensitive assay): context for gynecomastia, fluid retention, or symptom patterns.

  • Adrenal/Androgen Context: AM Cortisol (± ACTH) and DHEA-S in select cases.

  • Cardiometabolic Health: A1c/fasting glucoselipid panel (± ApoB, Lp[a])CMP for liver/kidney/electrolytes.

  • Nutrient & Anemia Screen: Vitamin DVitamin B12Ferritin/Iron/TIBCCBC for fatigue and performance context.

Quick Build Guide

Panel goal Start with Add if needed
Sex drive & erectile concerns AM Total T • TSH • A1c • Lipid panel Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin • Estradiol (sensitive)
Low energy & brain fog CBC • CMP • TSH • A1c • Vitamin D • B12 Ferritin/Iron/TIBC • AM Total T • Cortisol (AM)
Body recomposition goals A1c • Lipid panel • CMP AM Total T • Free T/SHBG • DHEA-S • Vitamin D
Medication or sleep risk factors CBC • CMP • A1c • Lipids AM Total T • TSH • Prolactin
Follow-up trending Repeat key markers from prior panel Add targeted tests if symptoms persist or change

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose your starting set: many begin with AM total testosteroneTSHA1clipidsCMP, and CBC.

  2. Time it right: draw testosterone in the morning (typically 7–10 a.m.). Fast only if your order includes fasting lipids/glucose.

  3. Confirm borderline results: repeat AM total T and add free T/SHBG and LH/FSH if values are low or symptoms persist.

  4. Layer add-ons by symptom pattern: prolactin, estradiol, AM cortisol, DHEA-S, vitamin D/B12/iron when indicated.

  5. Review together: interpret results with your clinician; set a monitoring cadence and consider cardiovascular, sleep, or specialty evaluations as needed.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Low/borderline total T: confirm with a repeat AM draw; use free T/SHBG and LH/FSH to localize cause.

  • Normal T, ongoing symptoms: look for thyroidprolactinA1c/lipidvitamin D/B12/iron, or sleep contributors.

  • High prolactin: may dampen libido and erectile function—confirm and evaluate clinically.

  • TSH abnormal: thyroid imbalance can drive fatigue, weight change, and sexual symptoms.

  • A1c/lipids elevated: cardiometabolic risk can undermine sexual performance and energy; trends matter.
    Always interpret patterns with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational sex & energy panel: AM Total T • TSH • A1c • Lipid panel • CMP • CBC

  • Hormone refinement: Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin • Estradiol (sensitive)

  • Adrenal & androgen context (selected cases): AM Cortisol (± ACTH) • DHEA-S

  • Nutrient & anemia context: Vitamin D • B12 • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC

  • Risk refinement: ApoB • Lp(a) where available

FAQs

Do I need to test testosterone in the morning?
Yes. Testosterone peaks in the morning; repeating a low result improves accuracy.

Do I have to fast?
Only if your order includes fasting lipids or fasting glucose.

My testosterone is normal—why do I feel low energy?
Energy and sexual health are multifactorial. Thyroid balance, prolactin, sleep, nutrients, and cardiometabolic health all matter.

Can workouts or illness affect results?
Intense exercise, poor sleep, alcohol, or acute illness can shift some values. Aim for a steady state before testing.

Will these tests diagnose the cause by themselves?
They clarify patterns and guide next steps, but a full clinical evaluation is essential.

How often should I repeat labs?
Commonly every 3–12 months depending on results and symptoms—follow your clinician’s plan.

Do medicines affect sex and energy?
Some medicines do. Do not stop on your own—review your list with your clinician.

Related Test Categories and Key Tests

  • Men’s Health Tests Hub

  • Men’s Hormone Health Tests • Low T and TRT • Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Tests • Fertility Test for Men • Heart & Cardiovascular Risk • Thyroid Tests • Diabetes Health

  • Key Tests: Total Testosterone (AM) • Free Testosterone • SHBG • LH • FSH • Prolactin • TSH • Free T4 • Estradiol (sensitive) • AM Cortisol • DHEA-S • A1c • Fasting Glucose • Lipid Panel (± ApoB, Lp[a]) • CMP • CBC • Vitamin D • Vitamin B12 • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation

References

  • Endocrine Society — Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: Clinical Practice Guideline.
  • American Urological Association — Guidelines on Testosterone Deficiency and Erectile Dysfunction.
  • American Thyroid Association — Thyroid Function Testing Guidance.
  • American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes (A1c and metabolic risk).
  • American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association — Cholesterol guideline and cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Clinical reviews on prolactin disorders, adrenal testing, and men’s sexual health evaluation.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Sex and Energy for Men Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with AM total testosteroneTSHA1clipidsCMP, and CBC. Use filters to add free T/SHBGLH/FSHprolactinestradiol (sensitive)AM cortisolDHEA-S, and nutrient/iron studies as needed. Follow collection instructions and review results with your clinician to confirm findings and plan next steps.

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Most Popular

The Insulin Test measures insulin levels in blood to assess how the body regulates glucose and metabolism. It helps diagnose insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Doctors also use it to evaluate pancreatic function and monitor treatment effectiveness. Frequently ordered with glucose testing, the insulin test provides critical insight into endocrine health, blood sugar control, and risk for diabetes-related complications.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fasting Insulin Blood Test

The Iron Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test measures iron levels in blood along with the blood’s ability to transport iron. It helps diagnose iron deficiency anemia, iron overload (hemochromatosis), and monitor nutritional or chronic health conditions. Low iron or high TIBC may indicate anemia, while high iron or low TIBC can suggest overload. Doctors use this test to evaluate fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms linked to iron and metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Serum Iron Test, Total Iron Binding Capacity Test, TIBC Test, UIBC Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test measures LDH enzyme levels in blood to assess tissue damage and overall health. Elevated LDH may indicate conditions such as liver disease, heart attack, anemia, infections, or certain cancers, while low levels are uncommon. Doctors use this test to help diagnose disease, monitor treatment effectiveness, and track cell damage. It provides valuable insight into metabolic activity and organ function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: LD Test, LDH Test, Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Test

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The LH Test measures luteinizing hormone levels in blood to assess fertility, reproductive health, and endocrine function. Abnormal LH may indicate infertility, menstrual irregularities, menopause, or pituitary disorders in women, and low testosterone or testicular dysfunction in men. Doctors use this test to evaluate ovulation, investigate infertility, monitor puberty disorders, or guide hormone therapy. It provides key insight into reproductive and hormonal balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Luteinizing Hormone Test, Lutropin Test, Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone Test, ICSH Test

The Lipid Panel with Ratios Test measures seven key markers: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, Chol/HDL ratio, and LDL/HDL ratio. This advanced panel evaluates cardiovascular risk by assessing cholesterol balance and fat metabolism. Doctors use it to detect high cholesterol, atherosclerosis risk, and heart disease, and to monitor treatment. Often part of routine exams, it provides insight into long-term heart and metabolic health.

Also Known As: Lipid Profile Test, Cholesterol Panel Test, Lipid Blood Test

The Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Blood Test measures MMA levels in the bloodstream to help detect vitamin B12 deficiency, often before anemia or neurological symptoms appear. Elevated results may indicate poor B12 absorption, pernicious anemia, or metabolic disorders. Doctors order this test when patients present with fatigue, neuropathy, or unexplained anemia. Results provide early insight into nutritional status, metabolic health, and treatment needs.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: MMA Test

The Phosphate (as Phosphorus) Test measures phosphorus levels in blood to evaluate bone strength, energy metabolism, and kidney health. Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease, vitamin D imbalance, parathyroid disorders, or malnutrition. Doctors order this test to investigate fatigue, muscle weakness, or bone problems and to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease. It provides key insight into metabolic, endocrine, and bone health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Phosphate Test, Phosphorus Test, PO4 Test

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The Pregnenolone Test measures pregnenolone levels in blood, a precursor hormone used to make cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Abnormal levels may indicate adrenal disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or pituitary problems. Doctors order this test to evaluate unexplained fatigue, infertility, or hormone imbalance and to monitor adrenal health. Results provide vital insight into endocrine function, steroid production, and overall hormonal balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Pregnenolone Blood Test

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The T3 Free Test measures free triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone not bound to proteins, to assess thyroid function. It helps diagnose hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and pituitary disorders. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, or irregular heartbeat and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy. The Free T3 Test provides key insight into metabolism, energy regulation, and overall endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Free T3 Test, Free Triiodothyronine Test, FT3 Test, T3F Test, Unbound T3 Test

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The T4 Free Test measures the level of free thyroxine (T4) in blood, the active thyroid hormone not bound to proteins. It helps diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter, as well as pituitary conditions affecting hormone regulation. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or irregular heartbeat and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy, providing insight into metabolic and endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Free T4 Test, Free Thyroxine Test, FT4 Test, T4F Test, Unbound T4 Test

The Testosterone Free and Total Test measures total testosterone and free, bioavailable testosterone in blood for both men and women. It helps diagnose hormone imbalance, infertility, low libido, erectile dysfunction in men, irregular periods, or PCOS in women. Doctors also order it to assess fatigue, mood changes, or muscle weakness and to monitor hormone therapy. This test provides key insight into reproductive, endocrine, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bound and Unbound Testosterone, Uncapped Testosterone Test

The Testosterone Free, Bioavailable, and Total Test measures total testosterone, free testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone, along with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. This test provides a complete evaluation of hormone balance in men and women. Doctors use it to assess infertility, erectile dysfunction, low libido, PCOS, fatigue, or muscle loss and to monitor hormone therapy. Results offer key insight into reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bound Unbound and Bioavailable Testosterone with SHBG Test, Uncapped Testosterone

The Testosterone Free and Total and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test measures total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG to assess hormone balance in men and women. It helps diagnose infertility, erectile dysfunction, low libido, irregular periods, PCOS, and abnormal puberty. Doctors also use it to evaluate fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes and to monitor hormone therapy. This test provides a comprehensive view of reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic health.

Also Known As: Bound and Unbound Testosterone with SHBG Test, Uncapped Testosterone Test

The Testosterone Total Male Test measures testosterone levels in men to assess reproductive, sexual, and hormonal health. It helps diagnose low testosterone (hypogonadism), infertility, and erectile dysfunction. Doctors use it to evaluate fatigue, muscle loss, or low libido and to monitor testosterone therapy, hormonal balance, bone health, and overall metabolism.

Patient must be male and 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Total Male Testosterone Test

The Testosterone Total Test measures total testosterone levels in blood to evaluate reproductive, sexual, and endocrine health. In men, it helps diagnose hypogonadism, infertility, erectile dysfunction, or low libido. In women, abnormal levels may indicate PCOS or hormonal imbalance. Doctors use this test to investigate fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes and to monitor testosterone therapy. It provides key insight into hormone balance and metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Total Testostone LCMS Test, Uncapped Testosterone Test

The Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) Test detects antibodies that target thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme vital for thyroid hormone production. High levels often indicate autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or irregular heartbeat and to confirm thyroid disease. It provides key insight into autoimmune activity and overall thyroid health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: TPO Test, TPO Ab Test

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The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test measures TSH levels in blood to assess thyroid function and diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It evaluates how the thyroid controls metabolism, energy, weight, and heart rate. Doctors use the TSH test to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or mood changes. Frequently included in routine health exams, it is also key for monitoring thyroid disease treatment and overall endocrine balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test

Blood, Urine
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist, Urine Collection

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The Uric Acid Test measures uric acid levels in blood to assess kidney function and detect gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. High levels may also signal kidney disease, kidney stones, or metabolic disorders, while low levels can occur with liver disease. Doctors use this test to investigate joint pain, swelling, or frequent urination, and to monitor treatment for gout, kidney stones, or chemotherapy-related complications.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Serum Urate Test

The Vitamin B12 Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production, nerve health, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and cognitive changes. This test helps identify dietary deficiencies, absorption problems, or related health conditions, supporting diagnosis and ongoing management of overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
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Blood Draw
Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test

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The Vitamin B12 Test measures cobalamin levels in blood to evaluate nutritional health, red blood cell production, and nervous system function. Low B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, memory problems, and nerve damage, while high levels may indicate liver or kidney disease. Doctors use this test to detect B12 deficiency, monitor treatment, and assess malabsorption conditions like pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test

The QuestAssureD™ Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total Test measures Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, and total 25-hydroxy vitamin D to assess overall vitamin D status. Adequate vitamin D supports bone strength, calcium absorption, immune health, and muscle function. Low levels may cause osteoporosis, weakness, or increased disease risk, while high levels can indicate toxicity. Doctors use this test to diagnose deficiency, monitor supplementation, and evaluate metabolic and endocrine health.

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Also Known As: Vitamin D Test, Ergocalciferol Test, Vitamin D2 Test, Cholecalciferol Test, Vitamin D3 Test, Calcidiol Test, 25-hydroxyvitamin D Test, Calcifidiol Test, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Test, Vitamin D Total Test

Blood, Urine
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist, Urine Collection

Blood, Urine, Varied
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist, Urine Collection

Men's sexual health is an important part of being a man, and some may not feel complete if this part of their life is not under control. 

For a lot of American men, this is an issue. About 30 million American men have erectile dysfunction. There are certainly a lot of possible causes for this, such as low energy. 

If you are one of those men, you are probably not happy with your sexual health. Perhaps, you are just worried that it can happen to you one day, or you know a friend that this has happened to. 

Whatever the case, there are ways to protect and improve sexual health. 

What do you need to do? What do you need to look out for? Here is everything that you need to know. 

What is Low Male Energy and Sexual Health?

To put it simply, low male energy and sexual health is a low desire for sexual activity or a low sex drive that physical or mental reasons can cause. It can be an inability to perform in the bedroom (erectile dysfunction), not lasting long enough to finish, or not being able to physically have sex as often as the average person. 

What Causes It? 

Several factors can lead to low sex drive or lower sexual health, such as testosterone. This is the male hormone that builds muscle and mass in your body and increases sperm production.

Higher levels of this lead to a higher drive for sex, so a low testosterone level is definitely one of the first things to look for. 

Jumping off of that, if you are overweight or obese, then you will not have the muscle or body mass to support higher testosterone levels. This leads to lower energy and lower stamina to be able to do anything physical, sex included. 

Mentally, depression can be one of the bigger causes of low sex drive. Depression is usually caused by anxiety and is linked to stress.

All of these factors do not make for a relaxing and calm environment, which sex is supposed to be. You may be distracted in your mind thinking of something else, have performance anxiety if it did not go well in the past, lose motivation for it, or even lose confidence in yourself. 

Finally, unhealthy habits like alcohol and drugs can lead to lower sex drive.

Alcohol can numb sensations in your body, thus making it more difficult to get an erection. Drugs like tobacco can disrupt blood vessels in the penis, making it more difficult for them to make your penis enlarge during sexual activity. 

What Are the Symptoms? 

There are a few signs to look out for if you are worried about having a low sex drive. These include but are not limited to: 

  • Being over 50 
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Muscle loss
  • Obesity
  • Stress 
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss 

Some of these are pretty obvious symptoms. Obesity can make you physically unhealthy to perform normal exercises like a jog around the neighborhood, let alone keeping up a sex drive. 

This can lead to a lack of muscle, which is usually charged by testosterone. Then, there is simply aging, with testosterone and libido dropping off every year for most men after their 30s.  

Infertility may not be one you think about, but it is possible the two connect. If you have an active sex life, but you have not gotten anyone pregnant despite not being the most careful, it could be because your overall sexual health is suffering. 

These are things you need to look out for, and they vary greatly from each other, but they all connect to a possible drop or loss of sex drive. 

Testing Sexual Health 

With all of the possible ways to lose your sex drive listed, it is only natural that we get to how you can protect it and treat it. There is male energy lab testing that you can do to try to determine if there is a problem. 

The most obvious way is a testosterone test. This can measure if your testosterone levels are low, and if they are, it could affect your sex drive and sperm production. For adults, the normal testosterone range is anywhere from 25 to 1,100. 

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is produced by your adrenal cortex and mainly helps your body develop sexual characteristics when you go through puberty. 

This can also be converted into testosterone, so a test here can help you figure out if you have a hormone imbalance. 

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is in your liver and binds sex hormones which are then passed on through your bloodstream. Having this test can help you find out a lot about how your body responds to general sex hormones because of their importance. 

The normal range of SHBG for adult males is from 10 to 50. If your levels are high, then you do not have enough sex hormones. If your levels are low, then you have too much to use. 

Testosterone is probably the first thing a lot of men think about when it comes to measuring sex drive, but other tests like SHBG and DHEA-S can help you get a much wider range of what is going on in your body. 

Questions About Testing 

Of course, before going through with one of these tests, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most common asked: 

Do You Need Health Insurance? 

No. Health insurance is not required to take any of these tests. 

Do You Need a Doctor's Note? 

No, you do not need to consult your doctor about this. You can if you so desire, but a doctor's referral is not necessary to take a test. 

How Long Do Results Take? 

We will send your results back in 24-48 hours. So, don't worry, you will not be kept waiting for long. 

What About Privacy? 

Do not worry. Test results are handled confidentially and securely, providing you with discretion to receive these results. 

Find Your Men's Sexual Health Test

Men's sexual health is obviously very important. But, there are many factors that can lead to issues, while there are also a lot of solutions.

Are you ready for a male sexual health check? Take control of your sexual health today with tests from Ulta Lab Tests!