The role of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitoring in the evaluation of impotence

Abstract

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection of sufficient rigidity to perform sexual intercourse is a problem that affects between 10% and 20% of men at some time during their lives. Historically, the evaluation of impotence has been limited to history and psychological assessment. Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) monitoring is a procedure that can be used in the evaluation of impotence. Performed with appropriate measurement techniques and knowledge of the recording conditions and combined with a complete and accurate sexual history, NPT monitoring is the most effective noninvasive method of determining whether the underlying cause is organic or psychogenic.