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Comparison between sensory testing modalities for the evaluation of afferent nerve functioning in the genital area

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Abstract

Determine the reproducibility and relationship between current perception threshold testing (CPT) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) in the genital area. Sixteen women underwent CPT and QST of the vagina. CPT was done at 2,000, 250, and 5 Hz (corresponding to A-β, A-δ, and C fibers, respectively), and QST testing was done using thermal (C fibers), vibratory (A-β fibers), and cold (A-δ and C fibers) sensation. Ten women underwent repeated testing 1 week later. Thermal and vibratory thresholds correlated with CPT at 5 and 2,000 Hz (ρ = 0.77, P = 0.002 and ρ = 0.6, P = 0.01, respectively). Repeated thermal, vibratory, and cold thresholds had good concordance correlation (rho_c = 0.83, rho_c = 0.96, rho_c = 0.77). CPT at 5 and 2,000 Hz were also strongly correlated (rho_c = 69, rho_c = .7). CPT and QST testing stimulate similar afferent nerve fiber populations in the vagina.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Bldg 104, Room 1004, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Lior Lowenstein, Carely Davis, Kathy Jesse & Kimberly Kenton

  2. Department of Preventive Medicine & Epidemiology, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Bldg 104, Room 1004, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Ramon Durazo-Arvizu

  3. Female Pelvic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

    Lior Lowenstein

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  1. Lior Lowenstein
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  2. Carely Davis
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  3. Kathy Jesse
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  4. Ramon Durazo-Arvizu
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  5. Kimberly Kenton
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Correspondence to Lior Lowenstein.

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Lowenstein, L., Davis, C., Jesse, K. et al. Comparison between sensory testing modalities for the evaluation of afferent nerve functioning in the genital area. Int Urogynecol J 20, 83–87 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0733-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0733-5

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