Effects of sexual arousal on vibrotactile detection thresholds in aged men with and without erectile dysfunction

Chuanshu Jiao, University of Sydney
Peter K. Knight, University of Sydney
Patricia Weerakoon, University of Sydney
Brett D. McCann
Bulent Turman, Bond University

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Preprint

Jiao C., Knight P. K., Weerakoon P., McCann B. D. & Turman A. B. (2008) Effects of sexual arousal on vibrotactile detection thresholds in aged men with and without erectile dysfunction, Sexual Health, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 347–352, ISSN: 1448-5028 (Print)

2008 HERDC Submission

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Copyright © Jiao C., Knight P. K., Weerakoon P., McCann B. D. & Turman A. B. & C.S.I.R.O. Publishing, 2008.

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem in ageing men. Abnormalities in sexual arousal may contribute to its development, and to the failure of pharmacological therapies. However, there are few objective ways of assessing arousal. Sexual arousal has been shown to affect vibrotactile detection thresholds (VDT) in young, healthy men. This study assessed the effects of sexual arousal on VDT on middle aged men with and without ED in order to determine whether differences exist between the groups and if such differences may be useful in the evaluation of ED. Methods: VDTs in the right index finger of 15 heterosexual males (mean age 74.3 + 6.0 years) who had been formally diagnosed with ED (ED group) and 16 men (mean age 68.0 + 6.6 years) who reported no sexual dysfunction in the last 6 months (EF group) were measured before and after watching erotic and control videos using a forced-choice, staircase method at frequencies of 30, 60, and 100 Hz. A mechanical stimulator was used to produce the vibratory stimulus. Results were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: There was no significant effect of watching the erotic video on VDT in subjects in the ED group. In the EF group, VDT was significantly lower at 60 and 100Hz after watching the erotic video. There was no change in VDT after watching the control video in either group. Conclusions: In response to sexual arousal, VDT in ageing men with normal erectile function decrease, whereas VDT in ageing men with ED remain unchanged.