Infla10® Pulse™Also Known As
Penile vibration perception threshold testing, Penile vibratory sensitivity assessment, Biothesiometric evaluation of penile sensation, Vibrotactile penile testing, Penile sensory threshold measurement
Definition
Penile biothesiometry is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that measures the vibration sensitivity threshold of the penile glans and shaft to evaluate penile nerve function and sensory capacity.1 This technique involves the application of a handheld electromagnetic device called a biothesiometer that produces calibrated vibrations of varying amplitude to specific areas of the penis.2 The test quantifies the minimum vibration amplitude that can be detected by the patient, providing objective data about penile sensory innervation.3 Biothesiometry has been introduced as a cost-effective office test for the evaluation of penile neuropathy in men with erectile dysfunction, though its clinical utility has evolved over time with the development of more standardized measurement methodologies.4 The procedure is primarily used to assess changes in penile sensitivity that may result from various conditions including diabetes, neurological disorders, or surgical interventions affecting the genital area.5
Clinical Context
Penile biothesiometry is primarily used in the clinical evaluation of patients presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory disorders, or complaints of altered penile sensation.1 The procedure serves as a surrogate test of penile sexual sensitivity and can help differentiate between various etiologies of sexual dysfunction.2 It is particularly valuable when assessing patients with risk factors for peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes mellitus, which can affect penile innervation before manifesting in other areas.3
Patient selection for biothesiometry typically includes men with suspected neurogenic erectile dysfunction, those with diabetes reporting changes in penile sensation, patients who have undergone pelvic surgery or radiation therapy, and individuals with Peyronie’s disease to evaluate sensory changes.4 The test is also useful in monitoring sensory changes before and after penile surgeries or interventions.
The procedure is performed in an office setting and begins with the patient in a comfortable position, typically supine or seated. The biothesiometer probe is applied to specific sites on the penis, including the dorsal and ventral aspects of the glans and shaft, with gradually increasing vibration amplitude until the patient reports sensation.5 Multiple measurements are taken at each site to ensure consistency, and results are often compared to control measurements from the patient’s fingertip or thigh to calculate a penile sensitivity ratio (PSR).2
Expected outcomes from biothesiometry include quantifiable data on penile sensory thresholds that can be compared to normative values or used for longitudinal monitoring of an individual patient. Higher vibration threshold values indicate decreased sensitivity, which may correlate with neurological impairment.3 Recent advancements include the development of standardized parameters such as the PSR, which provides a more reliable measure by accounting for individual variations in overall sensory perception.2