Clinical autonomic neurophysiology and the male sexual response: an overview.
BACKGROUND
Clinical neurophysiology is the study of the human nervous system through the recording of bioelectrical activity. In the realm of male sexual functioning, this includes using electrophysiologic techniques to study the nerves subserving erection, emission, ejaculation, and orgasm.


OBJECTIVE
To introduce the reader to the principles of clinical neurophysiology as they relate to the male sexual response, particularly erection.


METHODS
We review the pertinent autonomic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of reflexes relevant to the male sexual response, as well as summarize the genital electrodiagnostic tests that are being used to interrogate the autonomic innervation pertinent to male sexual functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
The male sexual response is a coordinated series of interactions between the somatic and the autonomic nervous systems. Measurement of the autonomically mediated portions of the sexual reflexes is of great clinical interest, particularly in relation to erection. Advances in clinical electrodiagnostics now allow for consistent recording of evoked and spontaneous intrapenile electrical activity. However, before broad and widespread use of these techniques is possible, more investigations are needed.
Yang
Claire C
CC
VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Department of Urology, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. cyang@u.washington.edu
Jiang
Xiaogang
X
D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000294:innervation; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000379:methods