The use of vibrotactile stimulation for determining sexual potency in the laboratory in men with erectile problems: methodological considerations.

Vibrotactile stimulation, when used in combination with visual sexual stimulation, has been shown to enhance erectile response in sexually functional men. The present study attempted to describe a diagnostic methodology, including the development and application of a new mini-vibrator, that might enhance penile response in men with erection problems. Tests on 78 men with either erectile dysfunction (ED), or a combination of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation (ED+PE), showed that vibratory stimulation together with an erotic video (EV+VT), produced greater penile response than the erotic video alone (EV). The new mini-vibrator was more effective than a previously used model, and produced clinically significant increases in erectile response in ED+PE men. In addition, the enhancing effect of the combined stimulation on self-reported penile response was greater when it followed EV than when it preceded it. The use of vibrotactile stimulation and visual sexual stimulation together may therefore assist in determining the potential sexual potency of men experiencing erection problems during the process of differential diagnosis.