Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
The pathology of erectile dysfunction may be an autonomic neuropathy, vasculogenic, endocrine deficiency, psychological or a combination of these factors. This study was undertaken to determine the predictive value of Electrophysiological elicited Bulbocavernosus Reflex in discrimination between neurogenic and non- neurogenic impotence in diabetic patient.
METHODS:
Twenty five male diabetic patients were recruited from out-patients attending the urology department at AL-KADIMYA Teaching Hospital. Bulbocavernosus Reflex (BCR) was evaluated on all patients at AL- NAHRAIN College of Medicine department of physiology, using the methods described by Rushworth.
RESULTS:
Test sensitivity was 72%, while test specificity was 83.3%. An abnormal Bulbocavernosus reflex carries a high probability of neuropathology.
CONCLUSION:
A degree of objectivity in the evaluation of possible neurogenic impotence can be offered by testing the Bulbocavernosus Reflex.