Electric pulses stymie premature ejaculation

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) to the perineum may help increase the time taken to ejaculate during masturbation in men with premature ejaculation (PE), without adverse consequences, as shown in a study.

The study included 23 patients (mean age, 38.7 years) with lifelong PE, of which 20 underwent both active and sham treatments. Researchers used a commercial neuromuscular electrical stimulation device to deliver TES to the perineum. At least 7 days after, the patients received the alternative treatment.

During the treatment sessions, the patients went to a private room to masturbate and used a stopwatch to measure their masturbation ejaculatory latency time (MELT). The electrical stimulation device was activated while masturbating during TES treatment, whereas the patients did not receive any stimulation during sham treatment. Additionally, the patients completed safety questionnaires.

In total, 17 (85 percent) patients reported prolonged MELT following TES vs the sham treatment. Mean MELT was 311.4 seconds during TES vs 124.6 seconds during sham treatment (p=0.0009), with the difference representing an averaged time-fold increase of 3.49 in MELT. Results for MELT did not change according to whether a patient started the study with sham or active treatment.

Fifteen (75 percent) of the 20 patients were highly satisfied with TES and reported a much better sensation of ejaculation control; 13 (65 percent) said that they would recommend the treatment to a friend. Being connected to the TES device with wires and the uncomfortable clinical setting contributed mainly to treatment dissatisfaction.

None of the patients reported any erectile difficulties with TES, and there were no severe adverse effects that occurred during the treatment or follow-up period. Three patients reported unpleasant sensations during treatment, although this did not prevent them from continuing the stimulation. Finally, one patient felt a burning sensation during urination following treatment, which disappeared after 24 hours.

Given the findings, the researchers believe that TES has the potential to become an on-demand treatment option for PE. Additional studies with wireless devices are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of electrical stimulation during intercourse.