Penile electromyography in the diagnosis of impotence

Cavernous electromyography of the flaccid penis was done in 93 impotent patients that were evaluated with several types of electrodes. We found that the potentials are generated by the cavernous tissue and are not the reflections of distant electromyographic events. Using monopolar needle electrodes, accurate interpretation of the electromyographic tracings seems possible. Our results confirm the value of penile electromyography as a way to objectivate penile smooth muscle atrophy as well as pelvic autonomic neuropathy with subsequent penile smooth muscle desynchronization. A neuromuscular dysfunction may be the causative factor in 39% of our impotent patients.