1. ¹Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
2. ²Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA

Correspondence: K Connell, MD, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 333 Cedar Street, FMB 310, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. E-mail: kathleen.connell@yale.edu

Received 9 September 2003; Revised 12 January 2004; Accepted 17 February 2004; Published online 27 May 2004.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of age, menopause, and comorbidities on neurological function of the female genitalia using a noninvasive, validated technique. In all, 58 consecutive women were enrolled in the study. Biothesiometry was performed at five genital sites and one peripheral site with S2 dermatome distribution. Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks was used to evaluate the relationship between age and vibratory sensation. Bivariate and regressional analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of age, menopause and comorbidities on genital sensation. The mean age was 44.6+14.8 y (range 20–78 y). Vibration thresholds increased with advancing age at all six sites. Multilinear regression analysis indicated that menopause and increasing age negatively affect sensation. History of herniated lumbar disc, vaginal delivery, and diabetes variably affected genital sensation. There is a significant increase in vibration thresholds (indicating worsening neurological function) in women as they age and undergo menopause. Biothesiometry is a technique for evaluating genital neurological function in women with coexisting morbidities.