(155) Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation Improves Overall Satisfaction in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) therapy has demonstrated the potential to augment peripheral blood flow towards the musculature, thereby enhancing oxygen supply to the working muscles. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a pathological condition characterized by compromised blood flow to the penis. In theory, TENS therapy can enhance penile blood circulation and alleviate the symptoms associated with ED. Objective Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of penile TENS therapy on reducing ED symptoms and improving erectile function (EF). Methods We conducted a pilot cohort trial following approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), in which we enrolled patients presenting with clinical ED at our clinic. The TENS therapy intervention comprised ten sessions lasting 20 min each, administered over a period of 5 weeks. Two TENS patches were used, with one patch positioned at the base of the penis and the second patch placed on the perineum. The intensity of TENS therapy was determined using a scale ranging from 0 to 10, with the patients selecting the maximum intensity that they could tolerate without experiencing pain. Baseline and post-therapy questionnaires were administered using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as the primary outcome measure. A paired t-test was conducted to assess the results, which are presented as the mean difference (MD) along with a 95% confidence interval. Results Ten patients, all of whom were already receiving oral PDE5i medications ED were enrolled. However, specific drugs, dosages, and regimens were not standardized across patients, although they maintained the same treatment regimen throughout the study period. The mean baseline total testosterone level was at 527.9 ng/dL. On average, the intensity of TENS therapy administered to the patients was 6.58. A statistically significant improvement in the IIEF total score was seen with an MD of 5.6 (95% CI:0.35, 10.85; p = 0.03). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the IIEF overall satisfaction domain, with an MD of 1.20 (95% CI:0.14, 2.26; p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found in IIEF erectile function, desire, orgasm, and intercourse satisfaction subdomain scores. Furthermore, none of the patients reported any adverse effects associated with TENS therapy. Conclusions These findings suggest that TENS therapy has the potential to improve the overall satisfaction of patients with ED. Further research with larger sample sizes and randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these initial findings and to elucidate the full potential of TENS therapy in ED management. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Disclosures: Consultant for AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast Investor: Sprout.