New device for penile vibrotactile stimulation: description and preliminary results

A small, lightweight mini-vibrator for measuring penile sensitivity is described. Data on subjective thresholds to vibrotactile stimulation were collected from sexually functional and dysfunctional men during both flaccid and tumescent penile states. Two sites, the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the glans penis, were stimulated. Results indicated a significant correlation between thresholds obtained with the mini-vibrator and those obtained with another stimulating device. In addition, the patterns of sensitivity in the flaccid and in the tumescent penis were similar to those found in previously studied samples of sexually functional and dysfunctional men. This device has advantages over other vibrators in that it can be attached directly to the penis and does not lose contact with the penile surface during tumescence.