Evaluation of bulbocavernosus reflex in the investigation of diabetic impotence

ABSTRACT

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. 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. Test sensitivity was 72%, while test specificity was 83.3%. An abnormal Bulbocavernosus reflex carries a high probability of neuropathology. A degree of objectivity in the evaluation of possible neurogenic impotence can be offered by testing the Bulbocavernosus Reflex