Penile sensitivity in men: a composite of recent findings

To present, in standardized form, age- and dysfunction-related data from 13 studies on vibrotactile penile epiglandal thresholds in men to allow cross-study comparisons, a capability previously prevented by the use of varying methods and units of measurement.

On the basis of the summarization and standardization of multiple studies located through online searches of bibliographic data bases, penile sensory thresholds were first plotted as a function of age, and then as a function of dysfunctional or disease status. In a third plot, both age- and dysfunction-related differences were illustrated within a single plot.

An increasing curvilinear threshold as a function of age was confirmed in the pattern derived from multiple studies. Furthermore, even when controlling for age, penile thresholds of men with erectile dysfunction lay one or more standard deviations above those of sexually functional counterparts, and this deviation became even higher during penile tumescence. When relationships among age, dysfunctional/disease status, and penile threshold were examined simultaneously, potential compounding effects of age and dysfunction emerged.

From a research perspective, standardized information on penile vibrotactile thresholds will facilitate ongoing study aimed at elucidating the role of penile sensitivity to both erectile and ejaculatory response. From a clinical perspective, standardized information on populations of sexually functional and dysfunctional men may assist in a preliminary differential diagnosis.