(184) A Novel, On-demand Therapy for Lifelong Premature Ejaculation using a Miniature Trans-Perineal Electrical Stimulator, the vPatch - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shechter A , Shechter A , Mondaini N , Serefoglu E C , Gollan T , Appel B , Gruenwald I 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

While Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a common and disturbing sexual dysfunction in men, currently available treatment modalities have limited efficacy and low treatment adherence. In this study, we assessed perineal Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TES) as a new possibility to treat (PE)

Objective

To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of vPatch, a miniaturized on-demand perineal (TES) device, for treating PE.

Methods

We designed a bi-center, international, prospective, randomized, double-blind, two-arm, sham-controlled, first-in-human, clinical study. Calculating for statistical power, 59 patients 21-56 (mean 39.8+9.28) y/o with lifelong PE were included. During the initial visit, intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was measured over a 2-week run-in period. Eligibility was confirmed in Visit 2, based on IELT values, and medical/sexual history. Eligible patients tried the vPatch to determine the individualized sensory and motor activation thresholds. Patients were randomized to Active (vPatch) and Sham device groups in a 2:1 ratio. During Visit 3, IELTs, Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) scores, and Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP) questionnaire outcomes were recorded. The vPatch device safety profile was determined by comparing the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Primary endpoints assessed: 1. vPatch device efficacy as mean fold change in geometric mean IELT; each person was compared to themselves, with and without the device, and the Sham group was compared to the Active Group. 2. vPatch safety profile. Secondary endpoints assessed changes in (PEP) before and after treatment and last visit (CGIC) scores.

Results

Of 59 patients, 51 completed the study, 34 in Active and 17 in Sham Group. The baseline geometric mean IELT significantly increased from 67 to 123 seconds (p&lt;0.0001) in the Active Group, as compared to increasing insignificantly from 63 to 81 seconds (p=0.1653) in the Sham Group. IELT significantly increased by 3.22-fold in the Active as compared to the Sham group (p=0.0047). Geometric mean time fold increases of IELT in Active compared to the Sham group were 1.7 (95% CI 1.5-2.1) vs. 1.2 (95% CI 1.0-1.6), respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. According to the CGIC, patients in the active group were significantly more satisfied with the treatment (74% vs. 41%, p=0.0274). The subjects in the active arm reported significant improvement in all 4 PEP parameters (P&lt;0.05).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the possibility to treat lifelong PE by prolonging coitus on-demand, using electric stimulation of ejaculation muscles with vPatch. This treatment may potentially become an on-demand, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment for PE.

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Virility LTD, Israel

Clarification

Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Virility LTD, Israel.