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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Cavernous Nerve Stimulation and Recording of Intracavernous Pressure in a Rat
07:43

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Published on: April 23, 2018

The penilo-cavernosus reflex: comparison of different stimulation techniques.

Simon Podnar1

  • 1Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, Division of Neurology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. simon.podnar@kclj.si

Neurourology and Urodynamics
|July 5, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Comparing three stimulation methods for the penilo-cavernosus reflex, this study found single electrical, double electrical, and mechanical stimulation had similar sensitivities. Combining all three methods slightly improved detection rates in men with spinal cord lesions.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Urology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Sacral reflexes are crucial for various physiological functions.
  • Several techniques exist to elicit sacral reflexes, but comparative data is lacking.
  • The penilo-cavernosus reflex is a key indicator of sacral nerve function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the sensitivity of different stimulation techniques for neurophysiologic recording of the penilo-cavernosus reflex.
  • To identify the most effective method for eliciting this reflex in patients with spinal cord lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Neurophysiologic measurement of the penilo-cavernosus reflex in 52 men with cauda equina or conus medullaris lesions.
  • Tested single electrical, double electrical pulse, and mechanical stimulation.
  • Recorded responses using EMG needle electrodes in the bulbocavernosus muscle, comparing to normative ranges.

Main Results:

  • Sensitivities for single electrical, double electrical, and mechanical stimulation were 70%, 73%, and 73%, respectively.
  • Combined stimulation modalities increased sensitivity to 82%.
  • Interside latency differences did not enhance sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • No significant difference in sensitivity between the three tested stimulation techniques.
  • Concomitant use of all three methods offered only a modest increase in sensitivity.
  • Double pulse electrical stimulation is preferred due to high elicitability, lower strength, and threshold measurement capabilities.