The test involves monitoring internal/external anal sphincter contraction in response to squeezing the glans penis or clitoris, or tugging on an indwelling Foley catheter.
This testing modality is used in intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring to verify the function of sensory and motor sacral roots as well as the conus medullaris.
Absence of this reflex in instances where spinal shock is not suspected could indicate a lesion or injury of the conus medullaris or sacral nerve roots.
[citation needed] There is an association between hyperexcitable bulbocavernosus reflex resulting from stimulation of the prostatic urethra and premature ejaculation.
[2] The bulbocavernosus reflex has been found to be delayed or absent at a higher rate than the general population in diabetic men with complaints of erectile impotence.