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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Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

The Bilirubin Direct Test measures conjugated bilirubin in the blood to assess liver function and bile duct health. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction, while low levels are generally normal. Doctors order this test for patients with jaundice, fatigue, or suspected liver disease. Results help diagnose and monitor liver disorders, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate overall hepatic and biliary health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Direct Bilirubin Test

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test measures CRP levels in blood to detect inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP may indicate infections, autoimmune disorders, or chronic diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. Doctors use this test to assess acute illness, monitor treatment response, and evaluate risk for heart disease. The CRP test provides key insight into inflammation, immune health, and overall wellness.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CRP Test, Inflammation Test

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

The Cortisol Test with 2 specimens measures adrenal gland function by evaluating cortisol levels at two collection times. Tracking changes in this stress hormone helps assess adrenal performance, circadian rhythm, and the body’s stress response, while offering insight into conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and overall endocrine balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: 2 Specimen Cortisol Blood Test

The Cortisol Test with 3 specimens measures adrenal gland function by evaluating cortisol levels at three collection times. Monitoring this stress hormone helps assess circadian rhythm, adrenal performance, and daily hormone balance, while providing insight into adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and overall endocrine and metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: 3 Specimen Cortisol Blood Test

The Cortisol Test with 5 specimens measures adrenal gland function by evaluating cortisol levels at five collection times. Monitoring this stress hormone throughout the day provides insight into circadian rhythm, adrenal performance, and hormone balance, while helping detect adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, stress dysregulation, and overall endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: 5 Specimen Cortisol Blood Test

The Cortisol Test with 6 specimens measures adrenal gland function by evaluating cortisol levels at six collection times. Monitoring this stress hormone across the day provides insight into circadian rhythm, adrenal performance, and hormone balance, while supporting detection of adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, stress dysregulation, and overall endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cortisol Total Test, Cortisol 6 Specimen Test, 6 Specimen Cortisol Test, Cortisol Blood Test, Cortisol Serum Test

Most Popular

The Cortisol AM Test measures morning cortisol levels in blood to evaluate adrenal gland function and stress response. Cortisol peaks in the morning, making this test critical for detecting adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), Cushing’s syndrome, or other hormone imbalances. Doctors also use it to investigate fatigue, weight changes, or high blood pressure. This test provides important insight into endocrine health, metabolism, and long-term stress regulation.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Morning Cortisol Test

The Cortisol Free 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test measures cortisol excreted in urine over 24 hours, with creatinine used to validate collection. Elevated cortisol may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, while low levels can suggest Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency. Doctors order this test for patients with obesity, fatigue, high blood pressure, or abnormal hormone symptoms. Results provide critical insight into adrenal gland function and hormone regulation.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Unbound Urine Cortisol Test

Most Popular

The Cortisol PM Test measures afternoon cortisol levels to evaluate adrenal and pituitary function. Cortisol normally drops later in the day, so abnormal results may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), or hormone imbalance. Doctors order this test to investigate fatigue, obesity, high blood pressure, or irregular sleep patterns and to monitor adrenal disorders. It provides key insight into stress response and endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Afternoon Cortisol Test

The Cortisol Total Test measures cortisol levels in blood to assess adrenal gland and pituitary function. Cortisol regulates stress response, metabolism, and immune health. Abnormal results may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, or other hormone disorders. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, weakness, or high blood pressure and to monitor treatment. It provides essential insight into hormone balance and endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cortisol Blood Test

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG IgM Antibodies Test detects both recent and past infection with CMV, a common herpesvirus. IgM indicates recent or active infection, while IgG shows past exposure and possible immunity. Doctors order this test for pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, or those with unexplained fever or fatigue. Results help diagnose CMV, guide treatment, and assess risk of complications such as congenital infection or organ damage.

Also Known As: CMV Antibodies Test, CMV IgG IgM Antibodies Test, Cytomegalovirus IgG IgM Test

Most Popular

The DHEA Sulfate (DHEA-S) Test measures levels of DHEA-S, a hormone made by the adrenal glands, to evaluate adrenal function and hormone balance. It helps detect adrenal tumors, hyperplasia, or insufficiency and assess abnormal hair growth, infertility, or early/late puberty. Doctors also use it to investigate irregular menstrual cycles, monitor androgen disorders, and evaluate symptoms of hormone imbalance affecting reproductive and metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: DHEA Sulfate Test, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Test

The Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody (EBV) Panel detects antibodies to EBV, including VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EBNA IgG, to determine current, recent, or past infection. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis and has links to chronic fatigue and certain cancers. Doctors order this test for patients with fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue. Results help identify stage of infection, confirm diagnosis, and guide clinical management of EBV-related illness.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: EBV Antibody Test, EBV Ab Test, EBV Test, EBV Antibody Panel

Most Popular

The Estradiol (E2) Test measures levels of estradiol, the primary form of estrogen, to evaluate reproductive and hormonal health. It helps assess menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, menopause status, and estrogen-producing disorders. In men, it aids in diagnosing hormonal imbalances. Doctors use the estradiol test to monitor hormone therapy, ovarian function, and conditions affecting puberty, bone health, and overall endocrine balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: E2 Test, Estrogen 2 Test

Most Popular

The Ferritin Test measures ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body, to evaluate iron levels and detect deficiency or overload. It helps diagnose anemia, iron deficiency, hemochromatosis, and chronic disease-related inflammation. Doctors often order the ferritin test to investigate fatigue, weakness, or unexplained symptoms. It is also used to monitor iron supplementation, treatment effectiveness, and overall iron metabolism health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Iron Storage Test

Most Popular

The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test measures FSH levels to evaluate reproductive and endocrine health in both men and women. In women, it helps assess infertility, irregular periods, menopause, or ovarian function. In men, it is used to check sperm production and testicular function. Abnormal results may indicate PCOS, pituitary disorders, or hormonal imbalance. Doctors order this test to guide fertility treatment, hormone therapy, and overall reproductive care.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test, Follitropin Test

Most Popular

The FSH and LH Test measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to evaluate reproductive and endocrine health in both men and women. In women, it helps assess menstrual irregularities, infertility, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In men, it aids in diagnosing low testosterone, infertility, or testicular dysfunction. Doctors also use this test to investigate puberty disorders, hormone imbalance, and pituitary function.

Also Known As: Follitropin Test, Lutropin Test, Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone Test, ICSH Test

Most Popular

The GGT Test measures gamma-glutamyl transferase, an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts, to evaluate liver health. Elevated GGT may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, alcohol use, or medication side effects. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain and to monitor liver damage. It is often performed with other liver tests to provide a complete picture of liver and bile duct function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Test, Gamma Glutamyl TransPeptidase Test, GGTP Test, GTP Test

Most Popular

The Glucose Test measures blood sugar levels to evaluate energy metabolism and screen for diabetes or prediabetes. Abnormal glucose may indicate hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders. Doctors use this test during routine exams, to investigate symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination, and to monitor treatment for diabetes. It provides essential insight into how the body regulates blood sugar and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fasting Glucose Test, Fasting Blood Sugar Test

The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test measures average blood glucose over 2–3 months by detecting sugar attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is used to diagnose diabetes, identify prediabetes, and monitor long-term blood sugar control. Doctors rely on the HbA1c test to evaluate treatment effectiveness, guide adjustments, and assess risk for complications, making it essential for diabetes care and metabolic health screening.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: A1c Test, HbA1c Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test

Most Popular

The Homocysteine Test measures homocysteine levels in blood to assess risk for heart disease, stroke, and vascular problems. Elevated homocysteine may result from vitamin B6, B12, or folate deficiency and is linked to blood clots, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis. Doctors use this test to evaluate cardiovascular risk, monitor nutritional deficiencies, and guide treatment for metabolic or genetic conditions affecting homocysteine metabolism.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Homocysteine Cardiac Risk Test

The Indican Urine Test measures indican, a byproduct of protein breakdown by intestinal bacteria. Elevated levels may indicate poor digestion, malabsorption, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or gastrointestinal disorders. Doctors use this test to evaluate gut health, investigate symptoms like bloating, gas, or fatigue, and monitor treatment for digestive imbalances. It provides valuable insight into intestinal function, metabolism, and overall digestive health.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Indican Test

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!