PENILE SENSITIVITY IN MEN - A COMPOSITE OF RECENT FINDINGS

Objectives. To present, in standardized form, age- and dysfunction-rel ated data from 13 studies on vibrotactile penile epiglandal thresholds in men to allow cross-study comparisons, a capability previously prev ented by the use of varying methods and units of measurement. Methods. On the basis of the summarization and standardization of multiple stu dies located through online searches of bibliographic data bases, peni le sensory thresholds were first plotted as a function of age, and the n as a function of dysfunctional or disease status. In a third plot, b oth age- and dysfunction-related differences were illustrated within a single plot. Results. An increasing curvilinear threshold as a functi on of age was confirmed in the pattern derived from multiple studies. Furthermore, even when controlling for age, penile thresholds of men w ith erectile dysfunction lay one or more standard deviations above tho se of sexually functional counterparts, and this deviation became even higher during penile tumescence. When relationships among age, dysfun ctional/disease status, and penile threshold were examined simultaneou sly, potential compounding effects of age and dysfunction emerged. Con clusions. From a research perspective, standardized information on pen ile vibrotactile thresholds will facilitate ongoing study aimed at elu cidating the role of penile sensitivity to both erectile and ejaculato ry response. From a clinical perspective, standardized information on populations of sexually functional and dysfunctional men may assist in a preliminary differential diagnosis. (C) 1998, Elsevier Science inc. All rights reserved.