Penile electrodiagnosis. Value of bulbocavernosus reflex latency versus nerve conduction velocity of the dorsal nerve of the penis in diagnosis of diabetic impotence.

The nerve conduction velocity of the dorsal nerve of the penis was evaluated with a direct measuring technique in impotent men with and without diabetes mellitus. The average nerve conduction velocity was 37 M. per second in impotent diabetics and 45 M. per second in nondiabetics. The latency of the bulbocavernosus reflex showed no significant difference between the groups and was within normal limits. The measurement of the nerve conduction velocity of the dorsal nerve of the penis is a valuable test for assessment of impotence in patients with diabetes mellitus.