Noninvasive treatment for erectile dysfunction in the neurogenically disabled population.

Erectile dysfunction is the most prevalent sexual dysfunction in neurogenically disabled men. Studies of rehabilitation patients indicate that the restoration of sexual functioning is considered an important priority. This article reports on a pilot study of vacuum tumescence constriction therapy as a noninvasive method for use by a population with traumatic or nontraumatic neurologic disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes mellitus. Of the 30 patients who participated in the study, 17 purchased the device and over 50% of them reported using the device on a long-term basis. Frequency of coitus increased from 0.3/wk to 1.5/wk. Included in the study are methods used by patients to integrate the device into their sex life, the role of the patient's partner in the decision to purchase the device, and the rate of partner satisfaction. There were no reports of substantial morbidity. Thus, this method shows promise as a noninvasive treatment for men who are moderately to severely neurogenically disabled.