Korean J Urol.  1987 Oct;28(5):659-664.

Significance of Nocturnal Penile Tumescence in the Differential Diagnosis of Sexual Impotence

• Cho JS
• Choi HK

Abstract

Nocturnal penile tumescence is very importent in differential diagnosis between psychogenic and organic impotence. NPT was assessed in 37 impotent patients and 8 normal potent patients. There was no discrepancy between psychogenic and control group, but some 4 case had slight reduced NPT. In all organic cases, the figures of frequency, degree and duration of NPT was significantly reduced. This method is not definite to differentiate impotent: 27% of psychogenic importent patients have reduced NPT. We use some complementary diagnostic tool to diagnose organic impotence: routine lab, snap gauge test, PDI, erection penogram, BCRL and SEP, hormonal test and MMPI etc. This method is useful to differentiate impotence, when used with other complementary method. It is promising, but further study is needed.

Keyword

nocturnal penile tumescence; impotence

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis, Differential*
Erectile Dysfunction*
Humans
Male
MMPI
Penile Erection*