Transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation-a novel therapy for premature ejaculation: results of a proof of concept study

Int J Impot Res. 2020 Jul;32(4):440-445. doi: 10.1038/s41443-019-0207-y. Epub 2019 Sep 30.

Abstract

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a very common and disturbing sexual dysfunction in men. Currently available treatment modalities are associated with limited efficacy and low treatment adherence. In this prospective, single-blinded, self-controlled study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) for the treatment of (PE). We included 23 patients aged 20-60 (mean: 38.7) with lifelong PE. On the first visit, we delivered either TES or sham treatment to the perineum, based on the enrollment order. For stimulation, we used a commercial neuromuscular electrical stimulation device. The patients were invited for the second visit after at least 7 days for receiving the alternating treatment. During the treatment sessions, the patients were left alone in a privet silent room to masturbate and a stopwatch was used to measure their masturbation ejaculatory latency time (MELT). The patients also filled-out safety questionnaires after each visit and on each of the 3 following days. Of the 20 patients who completed the study, 17 (85%) experienced prolonged MELT under TES compared with the sham treatment. Mean MELT values increased 3.5-folds under TES (p = 0.0009). We demonstrated a significant increase in MELT in lifelong PE patients using TES. This therapeutic option may have the potential to become an on-demand treatment option for PE. Future studies with wireless devices are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this treatment concept during intercourse.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ejaculation
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Premature Ejaculation* / therapy
  • Proof of Concept Study
  • Prospective Studies
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*
  • Young Adult