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

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.

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Correspondence to Arik Shechter.

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Conflict of interest

AS is a consultant for Virility Medical Ltd, and received compensation. AS was also granted the option to purchase equity of Virility Medical Ltd. For conducting the study. SEC is a consultant for Virility Medical Ltd, and was granted the option to purchase equity of Virility Medical Ltd. TG is an employee of Virility Medical Ltd, and a shareholder. SS is a consultant and shareholder of Virility Medical Ltd. GM was an employee of Virility Medical Ltd during the time of the study, and was granted the option to purchase equity of Virility Medical Ltd. IG is a consultant for Virility Medical Ltd, and received compensation. IG was also granted the option to purchase equity of Virility Medical Ltd for conducting the study. BA has no conflict of interest.

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Shechter, A., Serefoglu, E.C., Gollan, T. et al. Transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation—a novel therapy for premature ejaculation: results of a proof of concept study. Int J Impot Res 32, 440–445 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-019-0207-y

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