Abstract
Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) is a physiological phenomena that is recognized in almost all normal males. This paper presents a study of NPT and the relation of this phenomenon to age, sexual maturation and physical growth in children. In 30 subjects, ranging from 3 to 18 years old, NPT was measured continuously throughout the night.
The following results were obtained:
1. The frequency of NPT had a tendency to increase with age with a maximum frequency at 13 or 14 years of age, although the frequency ranged widely.
2. The maximum increase in penile circumference was below 10mm in all cases below 10 years of age but was greater in children over 12 years old.
3. Tumescence time and percent tumescence time [tumescence time (min.)/sleep period time (min.)]×100 was greater in children of over 12 years of age. Percent tumescence time showed a positive correlation with serum LH. Percent tumescence time was clearly higher in children with LH pulse, which indicates the onset of puberty, than in those without it.
4. These results suggest that NPT measurement in children can predict the onset of puberty, when coupled with endocrinological findings.
