Bulbocavernosus reflex testing in 100 consecutive cases of erectile dysfunction

Electrophysiologic testing of the bulbocavernosus reflex is often part of the routine workup of erectile dysfunction. To assess how often prolonged or absent reflexes occur 100 consecutive males with erectile dysfunction, who had been referred to a hospital-based medial sexology program, were tested. Four per cent had prolonged latency times (greater than 43 msec), and an additional 5 per cent had an absent reflex. Bulbocavernosus reflex testing needs to be done in males where penile revascularization, or sex therapy, or both, are being considered as therapeutic options. An abnormal latency would contraindicate revascularization and should limit outcome expectations of sex therapy. It does not need to be a routine part of the diagnostic workup.