is a staff family physician at the Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Weapons Station, China Lake, Calif. Dr. Clenney is a graduate of the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa. Penile biothesiometry: This test involves the use of electromagnetic vibration to determine sensitivity and nerve function. A decreased sensitivity to these vibrations may indicate nerve damage. Health Tip: Why You May Have Erectile Dysfunction Reduce Stress Drugs and cytokines. canadian pharmacy viagra Natural appearance Running Low on Testosterone May use treatment only when desired Permanently alters or may injure erection bodies Enzyte is a supplement that claims to increase the male libido or frequency of erections of the penis. Low self-esteem Erectile dysfunction. This penile tumescence monitor is placed at the base and near the corona of the penis. It is connected to a monitor that records a continuous graph depicting the force and duration of erections that occur during sleep. The monitor is strapped to the leg. The nocturnal penile tumescence test is conducted on several nights to obtain an accurate indication of erections that normally occur during the alpha phase of sleep. How Does an Erection Occur? Duplex ultrasound is used to evaluate erectile tissue. It is used to evaluate blood flow, venous leak, signs of atherosclerosis, and scarring of erectile tissue. An erection is induced and the ultrasound is used to see vascular dilation and measure blood pressure in the penis. 2Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia Formal neurological testing is not needed in the vast majority of patients with ED. Those with a history of CNS problems, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, or penile sensory deficit would probably benefit from some level of neurological testing. The sensitivity of the skin of the penis to detect vibrational stimuli, ie, biothesiometry, can be used as a simple nerve function office screening test. This involves the use of a small electromagnetic test probe placed on the right and left sides of the shaft and on the glans. The vibrational amplitude is adjusted until the subjective sensory threshold is reached, which is determined by questioning the patient. A series of these tests determines the average vibrational sensory threshold in each location, which are then compared to reference range standards for the patient's age group. Although this test does not directly measure the erectile nerves, it serves as a reasonable screening for possible sensory deficit and is simple to perform. Formal nerve conduction studies, such as bulbocavernosus reflex latency time, are reserved for very select situations. Penile prosthesis: The wound is checked 7-10 days after the operation to assess for signs of infection. The urine is also examined for signs of infection. Antibiotics are administered for 5-7 days following discharge.