Although not all men with diabetes mellitus report difficulty achieving and maintaining erections, factors that differentiate sexually functional from dysfunctional diabetic men have not been explored extensively. Previous research has shown that penile vibratory thresholds are related to male sexual functioning [1]. Furthermore, ageing and pathophysiology related to vascular function have been associated with decreased penile sensitivity and diminished ability to achieve and maintain erections [2]. Although not presumed to be the primary cause of erectile problems, such diminished sensitivity could compound the ischaemic, metabolic and other effects of various pathophysiological states such as diabetes. Diabetic men with erectile dysfunction have been shown to have higher penile thresholds (i. e., decreased sensitivity) than young non-diabetic men [3]. Subjective cutaneous thresholds, however, represent only the most basic of sensory processes. Equally important to sexual functioning is the perceived intensity and pleasantness of penile stimulation.Endocrine factors could also be involved in diabetic erectile dysfunction. Varying methodologies have yielded conflicting results regarding the association between testosterone concentrations and diabetic erectile capacity [4±7], with at least one study indicating lower testosterone in men with diabetes. Because testosterone concentrations have been implicated in Diabetologia (1999) 42: 336±342 Finger and penile tactile sensitivity in sexually functional and dysfunctional diabetic men
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