When erection problems occur, it is important to identify the source of theimpotence.
One possible evaluation technique is an overnight study of penile tumescence during sleep.
What Is Penile Tumescence?
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Penile tumescence refers to the hardening and expansion of the penis into an erection.
It often occurs in association with REM sleep and may be noted first thing in the morning.
Therefore, an overnight sleep study called apolysomnogrammay be used to assess the function of the penis during sleep.
How Does a Penile Tumescence Test Help Identify the Cause of Impotence?
There are various causes of erection problems.Sometimes impotence is due to problems with blood flow or neurologic function.
The frequency of these erections can be observed.
In addition, pulsations in the penis can be measured.
This results in transient increases in circumference that may last up to 1 second.
It is also possible to assess the strength, vigor, or hardness of an erection.
Longitudinal rigidity is measured with something called the buckling pressure.
Historically, the strength of the erection was somewhat skillfully tested by smacking it down to gauge its vigor.
(For obvious reasons, this is no longer done.)
A force gauge is applied to the penis tip and the amount of force applied is gradually increased.
If the stamps remain in place, the erections either didnt occur or were not sufficiently vigorous.
Sexual Medicine Society of North America.Erectile dysfunction.
International Society for Sexual Medicine.What is the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test?
2018;30(4):192-201. doi:10.1038/s41443-018-0032-8
Partin AW.Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction.
In:Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology.
