Cavernous nerve stimulation via unidirectional propagation of action potentials

An implantable stimulation system comprising:

• a lead;
• at least one set of partitioned electrodes disposed on a portion of the lead and configured and arranged for application of electrical stimulation to adjacent tissue, wherein the implantable stimulation system is configured and arranged so that each of the partitioned electrodes is independently programmable;
• insulating material separating the partitioned electrodes from each other;
• and
• an implantable microstimulator configured and arranged for coupling to the lead, the microstimulator comprising a powersource and circuitry coupled to the power source to deliver independently programmable current stimulus through at least one of the partitioned electrodes, wherein each of the partitioned electrodes is individually independently programmable,
• wherein the lead is configured and arranged for implantation near at least one neuron and for providing therapeutic electrical stimulation to the at least one neuron from the microstimulator through the partitioned electrodes.