Bulbocavernosus reflex testing in 100 consecutive cases of erectile dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neurophysiology
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Electrophysiologic testing of the bulbocavernosus reflex is a common diagnostic tool for erectile dysfunction.
• The frequency of abnormal bulbocavernosus reflex findings in patients with erectile dysfunction requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of prolonged or absent bulbocavernosus reflexes in males with erectile dysfunction.
• To evaluate the clinical utility of routine bulbocavernosus reflex testing in the workup of erectile dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 100 consecutive males referred to a hospital-based sexual medicine program for erectile dysfunction.
• Electrophysiologic testing was performed to assess bulbocavernosus reflex latency and presence.

Main Results:

• Four percent of patients exhibited prolonged bulbocavernosus reflex latency (greater than 43 msec).
• An additional 5% of patients had an absent bulbocavernosus reflex.
• A total of 9% of the study population presented with abnormal reflex findings.

Conclusions:

• Bulbocavernosus reflex testing is indicated for patients considering penile revascularization or sex therapy.
• Abnormal reflex latency may contraindicate penile revascularization and warrants cautious expectations for sex therapy outcomes.
• Routine bulbocavernosus reflex testing may not be necessary for all patients with erectile dysfunction.