Patient-reported sexual symptomatology in predicting functional and insufficient erectile capacity.
We evaluated the clinical utility of patient-reported erectile functioning information in discriminating Rigiscan-determined functional (greater than or equal to 70% penile tip and base rigidity and greater than or equal to 10 minutes' duration) from insufficient (less than 40% penile tip and base rigidity and less than or equal to 6 minutes' duration) erectile capacity, in a population of chronically ill men presenting with erectile dysfunction. Forty-three male veterans completed an extensive medical and psychologic evaluation, including a detailed assessment of sexual functioning, and then underwent two consecutive nights of supervised in-hospital Rigiscan sleep evaluations. Results of discriminant function analysis indicated that patient reports of morning erections and ejaculatory ability accurately predicted group membership for functional (96.7%) and insufficient (100%) categories. Careful attention to patient self-report is suggested for the urologist's initial appraisal of erectile dysfunction in populations of older, chronically ill men.
Ackerman
M D
MD
Psychology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida.
D'Attilio
J P
JP
Rhamy
R K
RK
Antoni
M H
MH
Politano
V A
VA
Weinstein
D
D
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection; D010413:Penis / Q000503:physiopathology*