Abstract

The current nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) measurement is based on standard cut-off levels defined regardless of age. This study was conducted to provide age-stratified cut-off points for NPT measurement. Forty sexually active healthy men between 20 and 60years old were enrolled and divided equally into four groups defined by age (20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-60years.). None of the candidates had sexual dysfunction or sleep disturbance or used supportive medication to enhance sexual function. Erectile function was evaluated by using the 5-item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5). NPT was observed using the nocturnal electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment (NEVA(®) ). The NPT values of healthy men aged 20-60years varied from 268.7% to 202.3%. The NPT differed significantly between age groups (P<0.0009); however, no significant differences between men aged 30-39 and 40-49 (P= 0.593) were observed. Age was weakly associated with IIEF-5 scores (P=0.004), whereas a strong and negative correlation between age and NPT (P<0.0001) was found. IEF-5 scores were not significantly associated with NPT (P=0.95). Therefore, the standard values for NPT testing should be considered in the evaluation of the nocturnal penile activity of men of all ages.

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