Signs ?

Investigations:

Rigiscan:

It gives information regarding NPT (Nocturnal Penile Tumescence).  The penis get hardened during sleep.  The electronic device records the duration and frequency of hardness.  It does not give any information how rigid the penis is.  Even though it is normal some patients cannot have intercourse.

X-Ray Cavernosogram:

Vasoactive drug is injected into the cavernosa and patient is asked to stimulate himself then radio opaque drug is injected into the cavernosa and X-rayed.

Doppler Study:

The velocities in the blood vessels is evaluated but does not give any scientific information required for the penetration of the penis into the vagina.

Nirodh Test:

Unless the penis is hard enough Nirodh cannot be worn comfortably.

Axial Rigidity Scale:

In Physics we all learnt regarding elasticity of metals.  The elasticity is of 2 types:

1) Youngs Modulus: It evaluates the elasticity in the length of the metal wire.

2) Axial Rigidity: It is the ability to recoil of any metal rod when it is twisted and when the force is removed.

In Campbell Urology Page no.1186 Volume II,Edition VIII.  It is mentioned as unless the axial rigidity is of 500 gms,  the penis cannot enter into the vagina.

Prior to using the scale, injection Papavarine 30 mg.is injected into one of the carpora cavernosa and asked the patient to stimulate himself.

No such scale in Indian surgical market.  I have designed the rigidity scale with silver.  I hold the base of the penis of the patient with my index figure and thumb of left hand, while my right hand hold the scale without any pressure.   The assistant goes on adding the weights.  When the penis buckles from the hand of the examiner,  the corresponding weights are noted.

Disadvantages:

Possibility of Human error

Requirement of two persons to conduct the test

No automatic recording facility like ECG