Shedding light on night-time erections: Determining the feasibility of nocturnal erection detection with penile transdermal light reflection of haemoglobin.

Objectives: Utilizing penile saturation and temperature measurements presents a promising avenue for the development of an innovative sensor system aimed at nocturnal erection detection. This study aims to determine the feasibility of erection detection with light reflection of haemoglobin (LRH), as a precursor for penile saturation measurements, as well as penile temperature by comparison with simultaneous overnight RigiScan measurements. Materials and Methods: This is a proof-of-concept observational study on 10 healthy volunteers with a cross sectional design. A penile transdermal haemoglobin and temperature sensor was developed to measure penile LRH through real-time monitoring with receiving photodiodes and emitting light-emitting diode (LED). Besides statistical analysis on LRH, temperature and RigiScan data, a visual assessment was done to determine detectability of changes in the LRH and temperature course during the RigiScan-annotated erections. Results: A total of 40 nocturnal erections from 10 healthy volunteers were annotated with the RigiScan. The LRH values significantly increase during a nocturnal erection (p < 0.01) and penile temperature (p < 0.01). The largest elevation of temperature was seen in the last erection, with an increase of 0.94°C. The corrected temperature shows an increase of 1.29°C in the last erection. Furthermore, visual detectability was feasible for 80% of the erections with LRH values and 90% with the temperature output. Conclusion: Penile LRH and temperature have the potential to serve as an alternative methodology for nocturnal erection detection compared with the currently applied circumference and rigidity measurements. This is an important step in the development of a patient-friendly and modernized tool for erectile dysfunction diagnostics. An improved sensor should be developed to allow for calculation of saturation percentage from LRH values. In combination with penile temperature measurements, this allows for conduction of further validity studies to work towards translation into clinical practice for non-invasive ED diagnostics.

'Feeling Hot': Exploring the feasibility of nocturnal erection detection through penile temperature measurements.

Objectives: The observational 'Feeling Hot' study aims to evaluate the feasibility of employing overnight penile temperature measurements for the detection of nocturnal erections, thereby contributing to the advancement and modernization of a non-invasive diagnostic system for erectile dysfunction. Subjects/Patients and Methods: In this proof-of-concept study, 10 healthy men aged 20-25 were recruited, following the methodology outlined in the 'Staying Hot' study by Torenvlied et al. Participants underwent ambulatory overnight penile temperature measurements concurrent with RigiScan recordings. Key outcome measures included baseline and peak penile temperatures during RigiScan-annotated nocturnal erections. Reference measurements of the thigh temperature were also taken to assess nocturnal temperature variations. Results: Statistically significant penile temperature increases (p = 0.008, n = 9) were observed during nocturnal erections, with an average elevation of 1.47°C noted during the initial erections. This underscores the practical utility of penile temperature measurements in detecting erection onset. Challenges arose in accurately determining erection duration and subsequent erection onsets due to the persistence of elevated temperatures following initial erections, termed the 'Staying Hot effect'. Reference thigh temperature measurements aided in addressing this challenge. Conclusion: Examining overnight penile temperature alongside simultaneous RigiScan recordings has yielded valuable insights into the viability of using the temperature methodology for detecting nocturnal erections. The 'Feeling Hot' study findings demonstrate significant penile temperature elevation during nocturnal erections in healthy young men, highlighting the potential of integrating this measurement methodology into the design of a modernized tool for ambulatory erectile dysfunction diagnostics. Further development of an advanced sensor system to comprehensively assess erection duration and quality is essential for enhancing clinical applicability.

'Staying Hot': Investigating the influence of overnight conditions on the penile skin temperature during male sexual arousal-A novel methodology for nocturnal erection detection.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of overnight environmental conditions on erectile penile temperature within a controlled setting, with the aim of investigating the feasibility of using temperature measurements for nocturnal erection detection in erectile dysfunction diagnostics. Subjects/patients and methods: We conducted a proof-of-concept study involving 10 healthy male participants aged 20 to 25. The study was carried out at the Department of Urology, St. Antonius Ziekenhuis, the Netherlands. Penile temperature thermistor measurements were taken during visually aroused erections of participants in naked state and in simulated overnight condition (underwear and blankets). Main outcome variables were peak and baseline temperature during erectile periods. To minimize the impact of differences in erectile strength and duration between consecutive measurements, we applied randomization to the order of the environmental conditions. Results: We observed a significant increase in penile temperature during erection in both the naked (p < 0.01) and simulated overnight condition (p < 0.01). The mean temperature increase was 1.70 and 0.67°C, respectively. While penile temperature returned to baseline immediately after naked erections, the 'Staying Hot effect' was noted in the simulated overnight condition measurements, where the temperature remained elevated at peak temperature for the entire 30-min period following the erection. Conclusions: The findings from this study indicate that the penile temperature not only significantly increases during naked sexual arousal but is also detectable under simulated overnight conditions. This underscores the potential of using temperature measurements for nocturnal erection detection, representing a crucial initial step in developing a modernized, non-invasive sensor system for ambulatory erectile dysfunction diagnostics. Further research, including an overnight study, is needed to gain insights into the feasibility of utilizing penile temperature measurements for nocturnal erection detection and to assess the impact of the 'Staying Hot effect' on subsequent erection detection.

Association between testosterone levels and RigiScan parameters of patients with erectile dysfunction.

Background: It is difficult to diagnose hypogonadism because of the lack of objective assessments of erectile dysfunction (ED), which is caused by hypogonadism. Aim: To provide a new approach for diagnosing hypogonadism, this study evaluated the efficacy of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) testing with RigiScan for patients with ED with and without hypogonadism. Methods: From June 2021 to February 2023, 133 patients with ED (62 with hypogonadism and 71 without) underwent NPTR testing at the Department of Andrology. A detailed history of all participants was obtained. All participants also underwent a physical examination, sex hormone testing, and ultrasound examination of the cavernous vessels of the penis. Outcomes: Patient characteristics, sex hormone serum levels, and RigiScan Plus data of NPTR testing of patients with ED were obtained and evaluated. Results: Between the groups, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index, or erectile function score or in the prevalence of smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. RigiScan data revealed differences in erection episodes per night, average event rigidity, erection durations, and percentage of tumescence greater than baseline, which were significantly lower in the testosterone-deficient group than in the normal testosterone group. The average event rigidity of the tip displayed the largest area under the curve value, with a sensitivity of 67.6%, a specificity of 85.5%, and a cutoff value of 52.50. Clinical Implications: Our findings may allow appropriate patients to receive testosterone replacement therapy, which has been shown to be an effective treatment for hypogonadism. Strengths and Limitations: This is the first study of its kind to perform a comprehensive review of the association between hypogonadism and RigiScan parameters. This study was limited by its small sample size. Conclusion: RigiScan parameters of patients with ED and testosterone deficiency were significantly lower than those of patients with normal testosterone; therefore, RigiScan is useful for the differential diagnosis of patients with ED caused by hypogonadism.

Association between sleep quality and nocturnal erection monitor by RigiScan in erectile dysfunction patients: a prospective study using fitbit charge 2.

BACKGROUND: Few studies were conducted to explore the association between sleep quality and nocturnal erection. Here, we intended to explore the association between sleep quality and nocturnal erection monitor when conducting nocturnal erection monitor. All erectile dysfunction (ED) patients underwent sleep monitors using Fitbit Charge 2™ (Fitbit Inc.) and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) monitors using RigiScan® (GOTOP medical, Inc., USA) for two nights. Subsequently, the patients were divided into two groups: Group A included patients who experienced effective erections only on the second night, while Group B included patients who had effective erections on both nights. To explore the associations between NPTR parameters and sleep parameters, a comparative analysis was performed between Group A and Group B for both nights. RESULTS: Finally, our study included 103 participants, with 47 patients in Group A and 56 patients in Group B. Notably, the Group A patients showed significant improvements in NPTR parameters on the second night compared to the first night. Conversely, the NPTR parameters on Group B of the second night did not demonstrate a superior outcome when compared to the second night of Group A. Interestingly, it was found that only the disparities in sleep parameters accounted for the variation in NPTR parameters between the two groups on the first night. After correlation and ROC analysis, we identified the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time and wake after sleep onset (WASO) time monitoring by the Fitbit Charge 2 as the primary parameters for predicting abnormal NPTR results in the first night. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, our study strongly suggests a close association between sleep parameters and NPTR parameters. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating sleep monitoring alongside nocturnal erection monitoring to enhance the reliability of the NPTR results.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Peu d'études ont été menées pour explorer l'association entre la qualité du sommeil et l'érection nocturne. Dans cette étude, notre but était d'explorer l'association entre la qualité du sommeil et le moniteur d'érection nocturne lors de l'utilisation d'un moniteur d'érection nocturne. Tous les patients atteints de dysfonction érectile (DE) ont été soumis à des moniteurs de sommeil utilisant Fitbit Charge 2™ (Fitbit Inc.) et à des moniteurs de tumescence et de rigidité péniennes nocturnes (NPTR) utilisant RigiScan® (GOTOP medical, Inc., États-Unis) pendant deux nuits. Par la suite, les patients ont été divisés en deux groupes: le groupe A comprenait les patients qui n'avaient eu des érections efficaces que la seconde nuit, tandis que le groupe B comprenait les patients qui avaient des érections efficaces à chacune des deux nuits. Pour explorer les associations entre les paramètres du NPTR et les paramètres du sommeil, une analyse comparative a été effectuée entre le groupe A et le groupe B pour les deux nuits. RéSULTATS: Au final, notre étude a inclus 103 participants, dont 47 patients dans le groupe A et 56 patients dans le groupe B. Les patients du groupe A ont montré des améliorations significatives des paramètres de NPTR la seconde nuit par rapport à la première nuit. À l'inverse, les paramètres de NPTR de la seconde nuit pour le groupe B n'ont pas donné de résultats supérieurs à ceux de la seconde nuit du groupe A. Fait intéressant, il a été constaté que seules les disparités dans les paramètres de sommeil expliquaient la variation des paramètres de NPTR entre les deux groupes lors de la première nuit. Après corrélation et analyse ROC, nous avons identifié le temps de sommeil paradoxal et la surveillance du temps de réveil après l'endormissement monitorés par le Fitbit Charge 2 comme les principaux paramètres de prédiction des résultats de NPTR anormaux au cours de la première nuit. CONCLUSIONS: Par conséquent, notre étude suggère fortement une association étroite entre les paramètres de sommeil et les paramètres de NPTR. Elle souligne l'importance d'intégrer la surveillance du sommeil parallèlement à la surveillance de l'érection nocturne pour améliorer la fiabilité des résultats de NPTR. MOTS-CLéS: Dysfonction érectile, Qualité du Sommeil, Moniteur d'Erection nocturne, RigiScan, Fitbit Charge 2™.

Homocysteine levels correlate with AVSS-RigiScan test parameters in men with erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Although elevated homocysteine levels have been shown to affect penile erection, the relationship between homocysteine and erection at the tip or base of the penis has not been extensively studied. RESULTS: We found that homocysteine levels were negatively correlated with the average event rigidity of the base (r = -0.2225, p = 0.0142). Homocysteine levels were also negatively correlated with the average maximum rigidity of the base (r = -0.2164, p = 0.0171). In particular, homocysteine levels were negatively correlated with ∆ Tumescence of the tip (r = -0.1866, p = 0.0404). Similarly, homocysteine was negatively correlated with ∆ Tumescence of the base (r = -0.2257, p = 0.0128). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that homocysteine inhibits penile erection. At the same time, homocysteine levels were negatively correlated with the parameters of the AVSS-RigiScan test.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Bien qu'il ait été démontré que des niveaux élevés d'homocystéine affectaient l'érection pénienne, la relation entre homocystéine et érection à l'extrémité ou à la base du pénis n'a pas été étudiée de manière approfondie. RéSULTATS: Nous avons constaté que les niveaux d'homocystéine étaient négativement corrélés avec la rigidité moyenne de la base (r = -0,2225, p = 0,0142). Les taux d'homocystéine étaient également négativement corrélés avec la rigidité maximale moyenne de la base (r = -0,2164, p = 0,0171). En particulier, les taux d'homocystéine étaient négativement corrélés avec la tumescence Δ de l'extrémité (r = -0,1866, p = 0,0404). De même, l'homocystéine était négativement corrélée avec la tumescence Δ de la base (r = -0,2257, p = 0,0128). CONCLUSIONS: Nos données ont montré que l'homocystéine inhibe l'érection pénienne. Dans le même temps, les niveaux d'homocystéine étaient négativement corrélés avec les paramètres du test AVSS-RigiScan.

[Normative parameters for monitoring of nocturnal penile tumescences: results of own observations and approbation of the developed normative criteria].

OBJECTIVE: Clinical approbation of previously obtained normative criteria for evaluating erectograms using the Androscan MIT hardware complex, as well as comparing the monitoring indicators of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) with the results of the standard questionnaire International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 120 patients aged 19 to 72 years. Erectile function was assessed using the IIEF-15 questionnaire and the Androscan MIT hardware complex. To assess erectile function, previously developed normative criteria for the relative increase in the diameter of the penis (OP) and the duration of NTP were used. Statistical data processing was carried out using the STATISTICA 12 software. A systematic literature search on the normative criteria for monitoring NTP was carried out in the Medline database. RESULTS: After performing androscanning, patients were divided according to the degree of ED: there were 12 patients without ED, 58 patients with grade 1 ED, 27 patients with grade 2 ED, and 23 patients with grade 3 ED. According to the results obtained, a positive correlation was found between the OD value and the results of the IIEF-15 questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The obtained data on the correlation between the results of the IIEF -15 questionnaire and the NTP monitoring parameters are consistent with most of the currently available foreign data.

[Normative parameters for monitoring of nocturnal penile tumescences: a systematic review and algorithm development].

OBJECTIVE: a systematic review of the available literature sources about criteria for nocturnal penile tumescences (NPT) registration, as well as the development our own criteria for evaluating erectograms obtained from Androscan "MIT" software complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a systematic search about NPT criteria was conducted in the Medline database. A PRISMA flowchart was used to visually represent the design of the study. The necessary calculations were carried out using the STATISTICA 12 software. RESULTS: Normal erectile function is characterized by a relative increase in penis diameter (RIn) of 30% or more with the duration of such NPTs of more than 60 minutes. For a mild ED in the case of a good RIn (30% or more) with a duration of NPT with such RIn less than 10 minutes (the time of 1 effective erection), it is advisable to determine the duration of the NPT with a RIn of 20% or more. If RIn is less than 30% it is advisable to use the duration of sufficient erections (with a relative increase in diameter of 20% or more) and the border value in this case is 60 minutes or more. Severe ED is characterized by RIn less than 20% or duration of NPT of less than 10 minutes with any RIn. CONCLUSION: at the moment there are no uniform criteria for the diagnosis of ED using the Androscan "MIT" software complex. As part of the unification of ED diagnostics we first introduced the terms of "effective erection", "sufficient erection", "relative increase" and also developed regulatory criteria and an algorithm for evaluating erectograms which will ensure continuity as well as the possibility of comparison of the results from different research groups.

Effect of high-density lipoprotein on penile erection: A cross-sectional study.

Previous studies have shown that elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) could inhibit penile erection, but the relationship between HDL and the erection of the penile tip or base has not been extensively researched. We investigated the effects of HDL on erection of the penile tip and base through a cross-sectional study of 113 patients with erectile dysfunction, using a cut-off score of ≤21 on the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The following patient data were collected: nocturnal penile tumescence; blood pressure; platelet count; platelet distribution width; mean platelet volume; plateletcrit; and levels of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and low-density lipoprotein. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between HDL levels and the erection of the penile tip and base. We confirmed that HDL had a beneficial effect on penile erectile function. We also found that when the HDL level exceeded the normal range, the change in HDL had a significant effect on the penile base. In addition, our study did not find any relationship between platelet parameters and erection of the penile tip or penile base.

Comparison of RigiScan and penile color duplex ultrasound in evaluation of erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Whether RigiScan could distinguish psychogenic from organic erectile dysfunction (ED) is still a matter of controversy. So this study was aimed to investigate the function of RigiScan in the diagnosis of ED, and compare it with that of pharmacopenile color doppler ultrasonography (PCDU). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. All patients should be performed IIEF-5 questionnaire, blood test, RigiScan, PCDU, Neurophysiological tests. Golden standard: one patient was diagnosed as organic ED when any of the following tests was abnormal, including sex hormone, PCDU and neurological tests. Student t test, Kappa test and ROC analyses was used to analyze the difference between RigiScan and PCDU. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 and EmpowerStats software. RESULTS: According to the standard: 70 patients (35.4%) were detected abnormal responses to intracavernous injection in PCDU and normal responses in 128 cases (64.6%). RigiScan had a significant but weak positive correlation with PCDU test (kappa value =0.361, P<0.01). In the ROC analyses, RigiScan was better in sensitivity (0.8603 vs. 0.5147). In the patients revealed organic lesions by RigiScan, 61 of 119 (51.3%) patients were detected abnormal responses by PCDU. CONCLUSIONS: RigiScan was the preferential choice in distinguishing psychogenic ED from organic ED. PCDU could not replace RigiScan by now. But PCDU was the preferential choice in ED with vascular lesions.

Role of RigiScan parameters in differentiation of vascular erectile dysfunction.

Male nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity assessed by RigiScan monitoring device (GOTOP Inc.) is a noninvasive tool to differentiate organic from psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of RigiScan parameters in differentiating arterial ED from veno-occlusive ED. We recruited 102 male patients (mean ± SD, 32.3 ± 6.7 years old) presented with an overall score <21 in the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scoring system. Baseline data of the included subjects were collected, and the patients were then subjected to RigiScan monitoring, penile colour Doppler ultrasound, and dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography examination. These patients were allocated into psychogenic, arterial and venous ED group based on the results of these specific examinations. At last, psychogenic ED was identified in 56 out of 102 men, while arteriogenic ED was identified in 31 cases and venogenic ED in 15 out of the overall 102 cases. The erection episodes per night (1.6 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 for venogenic vs. arterial ED respectively) and the duration of tip erections ≥60% in the venogenic ED group (21.5 ± 10.5 min) were significantly lower than cases in arteriogenic ED individuals (34.5 ± 17.0 min). Besides, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the duration of tip erections with a cut-off value of 12.5 min had 81.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity for predicting a venogenic ED in cases with organic impotence. In conclusion, the duration of tip erection of RigiScan parameters was used to distinguish venogenic from arterial ED.

Relationship between penile erection and the ratio of estradiol to testosterone: A retrospective study.

Previous studies have found that the ratio of estradiol to testosterone (E2/T ratio) has a negative effect on sexual function, but the relationship between the E2/T ratio and erection of the penis is not clarified. We conducted a retrospective study of 183 patients with erectile dysfunction and 52 healthy men to investigate the relationship between penis base erection and tip erection. All participants underwent nocturnal penile tumescence tests and medical history checks and had relevant biochemical and endocrine indicators measured. The ratio of estradiol to testosterone was calculated. The relationship between E2/T ratio and erectile time of penile tip and penile base was determined by univariate analysis, multivariate analysis and stratification analysis. After adjusting for mixed factors, the results showed that the E2/T ratio had a more significant negative effect on the base of the penis compared with the tip of the penis (Hazard ratio: -4.34 95% CI: -6.52, -2.16 p = .0001). Moreover, when the effective erection time was ≥10 min, the negative effect of E2/T on penile root erection was more obvious (HR ratio: -4.46 95% CI: -6.50, -2.43 p < .0001). In summary, our study demonstrated a negative relationship between E2/T ratio and penile erection, particularly at the root of the penis.

Consecutive nightly measurements are needed for accurate evaluation of nocturnal erectile capacity when the first-night laboratory recording is abnormal.

Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) from organic ED. However, direct evidence remains limited regarding the first-night effect on NPTR measurement using the RigiScan. Here, we evaluated the first-night effect on the results of NPTR measurement to validate the necessity of NPTR measurement for two consecutive nights, particularly when abnormal first-night measurements are recorded in a laboratory setting. We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with a complaint of ED, who underwent NPTR measurement using the RigiScan in the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China), for two consecutive nights, during the period from November 2015 to May 2016. NPTR parameters were collected and analyzed. We found that more effective nocturnal erections were detected during the second night than during the first night (P <0.001). Twenty percent of all patients had no effective erection during the first night, but exhibited at least one effective erection during the second night. The negative predictive value of NPTR measurement during the first night was 43.2%; this was significantly lower than that on the second night (84.2%; P = 0.003). Most NPTR parameters were better on the second night than on the first night. The first-night effect might be greater among patients younger than 40 years of age. In conclusion, two consecutive nightly measurements of NPTR can avoid a false-abnormal result caused by the first-night effect; moreover, these measurements more accurately reflect erectile capacity, especially when the first-night record is abnormal in a laboratory setting.

Consecutive nightly measurements are needed for accurate evaluation of nocturnal erectile capacity when the first-night laboratory recording is abnormal / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) from organic ED. However, direct evidence remains limited regarding the first-night effect on NPTR measurement using the RigiScan. Here, we evaluated the first-night effect on the results of NPTR measurement to validate the necessity of NPTR measurement for two consecutive nights, particularly when abnormal first-night measurements are recorded in a laboratory setting. We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with a complaint of ED, who underwent NPTR measurement using the RigiScan in the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China), for two consecutive nights, during the period from November 2015 to May 2016. NPTR parameters were collected and analyzed. We found that more effective nocturnal erections were detected during the second night than during the first night (P <0.001). Twenty percent of all patients had no effective erection during the first night, but exhibited at least one effective erection during the second night. The negative predictive value of NPTR measurement during the first night was 43.2%; this was significantly lower than that on the second night (84.2%; P = 0.003). Most NPTR parameters were better on the second night than on the first night. The first-night effect might be greater among patients younger than 40 years of age. In conclusion, two consecutive nightly measurements of NPTR can avoid a false-abnormal result caused by the first-night effect; moreover, these measurements more accurately reflect erectile capacity, especially when the first-night record is abnormal in a laboratory setting.

Consecutive nightly measurements are needed for accurate evaluation of nocturnal erectile capacity when the first-night laboratory recording is abnormal / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) from organic ED. However, direct evidence remains limited regarding the first-night effect on NPTR measurement using the RigiScan. Here, we evaluated the first-night effect on the results of NPTR measurement to validate the necessity of NPTR measurement for two consecutive nights, particularly when abnormal first-night measurements are recorded in a laboratory setting. We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with a complaint of ED, who underwent NPTR measurement using the RigiScan in the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China), for two consecutive nights, during the period from November 2015 to May 2016. NPTR parameters were collected and analyzed. We found that more effective nocturnal erections were detected during the second night than during the first night (P <0.001). Twenty percent of all patients had no effective erection during the first night, but exhibited at least one effective erection during the second night. The negative predictive value of NPTR measurement during the first night was 43.2%; this was significantly lower than that on the second night (84.2%; P = 0.003). Most NPTR parameters were better on the second night than on the first night. The first-night effect might be greater among patients younger than 40 years of age. In conclusion, two consecutive nightly measurements of NPTR can avoid a false-abnormal result caused by the first-night effect; moreover, these measurements more accurately reflect erectile capacity, especially when the first-night record is abnormal in a laboratory setting.

Effect of prolactin on penile erection: a cross-sectional study.

Although elevated prolactin levels have been shown to inhibit penile erection, the relationship between prolactin and erection of the penile tip or base has not been extensively researched. We therefore investigated the prolactin's effects on erection of the penile tip and base, with a cross-sectional study of 135 patients with erectile dysfunction, based on scores of ≤21 on the International Index of Erectile Function-5. All patients were tested for nocturnal penile tumescence, blood pressure, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the associations between prolactin levels and erection at the penile tip and base. We found no obvious relationship between erection time at penile tip and prolactin levels, but observed a negative correlation between base erection time and prolactin level (hazard ratio: -2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.13--0.22). With increasing prolactin concentration, multivariate analysis showed obvious reduction in base erection time among patients with normal Rigiscan results (hazard ratio: -3.10; 95% CI: -7.96-1.77; P < 0.05). Our data indicate that prolactin inhibits penile erection, particularly at the penile base. In addition, when the effective erection time of the penile base lasts longer than 10 min, prolactin has a more obvious inhibitory effect on penile base erection.

Effect of estradiol on penile erection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Past studies have shown that elevated estradiol levels could inhibit penile erection, but the relationship between estradiol and erection of the penile tip or base has not been extensively researched. METHODS: We therefore investigated estradiol's effects on the erection of the penile tip and base, with a cross-sectional study of 135 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), based on scores of ≤21 according to the International Index of Erectile Function-5. All patients were tested for nocturnal penile tumescence, blood pressure (BP), serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P), estradiol (E), and testosterone (T). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess associations between estradiol levels and erection at the penile tip and base. RESULTS: We found no obvious relationship between erection time at penile tip and estradiol levels but did observe a negative correlation between base erection time and estradiol level [hazard ratio (HR): ‒0.11; 95% CI: ‒0.80-1.72]. With increasing estradiol concentration, multivariate analysis showed an obvious reduction in base erection time among patients with normal Rigiscan results (HR: ‒0.31; 95% CI: ‒1.63-1.29) (P<0.05) as estradiol concentration increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that estradiol inhibits penile erection, particularly at the penile base. Also, when the effective erection time of the penile base lasts longer than 10 min, estradiol has a more obvious inhibitory effect on penile base erection.

[Application of nocturnal penile tumescence test in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction].

ED is a common male disease, often caused by neurological, vascular or psychological factors, and the diagnostic methods for ED vary widely. The nocturnal penile tumescence test (NPT) by RigiScan is an objective assessment method used mainly to detect ED and has gained a wide clinical application in recent years. This review focuses on the application value of the six RigiScan parameters in the diagnosis of ED, namely, the number of erections, total erection time, event rigidity of tip/base, event tumescence of tip/base, tumescence activated unit and rigidity activated unit, aiming to provide some help to clinicians and researchers with the application of NPT.

Effect of prolactin on penile erection: A cross-sectional study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Although elevated prolactin levels have been shown to inhibit penile erection, the relationship between prolactin and erection of the penile tip or base has not been extensively researched. We therefore investigated the prolactin's effects on erection of the penile tip and base, with a cross-sectional study of 135 patients with erectile dysfunction, based on scores of ≤21 on the International Index of Erectile Function-5. All patients were tested for nocturnal penile tumescence, blood pressure, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the associations between prolactin levels and erection at the penile tip and base. We found no obvious relationship between erection time at penile tip and prolactin levels, but observed a negative correlation between base erection time and prolactin level (hazard ratio: -2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.13 - 0.22). With increasing prolactin concentration, multivariate analysis showed obvious reduction in base erection time among patients with normal Rigiscan results (hazard ratio: -3.10; 95% CI: -7.96-1.77; P < 0.05). Our data indicate that prolactin inhibits penile erection, particularly at the penile base. In addition, when the effective erection time of the penile base lasts longer than 10 min, prolactin has a more obvious inhibitory effect on penile base erection.

Application of nocturnal penile tumescence test in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

ED is a common male disease, often caused by neurological, vascular or psychological factors, and the diagnostic methods for ED vary widely. The nocturnal penile tumescence test (NPT) by RigiScan is an objective assessment method used mainly to detect ED and has gained a wide clinical application in recent years. This review focuses on the application value of the six RigiScan parameters in the diagnosis of ED, namely, the number of erections, total erection time, event rigidity of tip/base, event tumescence of tip/base, tumescence activated unit and rigidity activated unit, aiming to provide some help to clinicians and researchers with the application of NPT.