Nocturnal tumescence (NT ) has long been used as a diagnostic screening tool for a range of issues. Research supports that a lack, or lackluster, of NT is strongly associated with organogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) and weakly associated with psychogenic ED. Nevertheless, the use of self-report, as opposed to objective measurement, of NT is thought to over-estimate the rate of organogenic ED.
A recent (2012) study using endocrinological and urological investigation suggested around 30% of ED is organogenic. The current study aims to compare this rate to the rate of self-reported lack of NT in an Australian sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) with ED.
MSM from Australia (N = 473) attempted an online survey using the International Index of Erectile Function for MSM scale (IIEF-MSM) as part of another study. The six question abbreviated version of the scale (EF-6) was used to determine ED. A further question from the full IIEF-MSM assessed the perceived frequency of NT. Only those men who had attempted all forms of sexual activity in the past four weeks were included in the analysis. The percentage of those reporting no NT, who also met the cut off score for ED, was calculated. results: Of the 237 men included, 28.3% (N = 67) were assessed as meeting criteria (score < 16) for moderate or severe ED by the EF-6. Of this group, 42% (N = 28) reported no NT.
Our result appears to indicate a higher level of organogenic ED than a recent study, which used more thorough multifaceted diagnostic techniques. This supports the literature that suggests self-reported lack of NT over-estimates organic ED. Alternatively, MSM may experience higher rates of organogenic ED. Further research is indicated.
