Physiologic studies of male sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

We conducted this investigation to better define the neural disruptions tha t result in sexual dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis (MS), using g enital electrodiagnostic testing and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidi ty monitoring. Methods: Thirteen men with MS and sexual dysfunction were re cruited for the study. Twelve healthy, sexually potent men were enrolled as controls. All underwent pudendal somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) test ing using standard methods, and a new modification to isolate the right and left dorsal nerves of the penis. RigiScan testing was performed on the MS subjects to assess nocturnal erectile function. Results: Unilateral and bil ateral DNP SEPs were able to be performed on the control subjects. In all b ut one MS subjects, DNP SEP abnormalities were found. Three men had normal latency bilateral DNP SEP latencies, but on unilateral DNP testing, abnorma lities were identified. Seven men, including those with abnormal or absent SEP latencies, had normal nocturnal erectile activity. There was no correla tion between overall functional status, presence of abnormal or absent SEP, and quality of nocturnal erectile activity. Conclusions: Genital SEP abnor malities are common in men with MS and sexual dysfunction. Unilateral DNP S EP testing was more sensitive in identifying abnormalities than the standar d method of pudendal SEP testing. One of the causes of sexual dysfunction i n men with MS may be due to genital somatosensory pathway disruption, with sparing of the efferent tracts in some men.