(287) SAFETY AND PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES OF A VIBRATING CONSTRICTION RING FOR PSYCHOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Rodriguez JE , Dadian R , Suarez V 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED) is an increasingly common reason for consultation. While performance anxiety is the main cause, other psychosocial and relationship factors often coexist. Current treatments are not well standardized and range from simple sexual advice, reeducation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, which are sometimes combined with first-line medications. There is a group of patients who cannot undergo these therapies due to economic reasons, accessibility issues, or lack of cooperation from their partner, and are also reluctant to use medication. For this group of patients, and thanks to technological advancements, there are erection aid devices that can be of clinical use.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of a new vibrating constriction ring designed to help produce and maintain erections in patients diagnosed with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Nineteen sexually active men diagnosed with pED based on criteria for Erectile Disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) used the vibrating constriction ring over 8 weeks. The patients had an educational session where instructions for using the device called Tenuto Mini during coital relations was provided. The device was controlled via a mobile app and delivered focused mechanical vibrations (FMV) in intervals of 10 seconds of vibration followed by 5 seconds of pause, with a vibration frequency of 50 Hz. Previous evidence suggests that this intermittent frequency pattern produces a vasodilation effect. Additionally, the device applied strong constriction at the base of the penis, leaving the area around the urethra unaffected. The five-item Spanish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms before and after the treatment and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used for evaluating satisfaction with treatment.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 37.21 ± 4.77 years. A significant improvement was observed in the average IIEF-5 scores at eight weeks using the device (10.95 ± 1.87 vs. 19.56 ± 2.19, p = .001). The mean EDITS index score at the end of the treatment was 76.97 (range 61.36-86.36). No adverse effects were reported during the treatment.

Conclusions

The use of a vibrating constriction ring with a specific pattern of focused mechanical vibrations (FMV), combined with a constriction effect can be beneficial in managing pED. An added advantage is its applicability even when couple-based sexual therapies or use of medications are not feasible. Further validation through randomized controlled trials is necessary to confirm these findings.

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Mysteryvibe.

Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.

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