Effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) in treatment of premature ejaculation: a randomized clinical trial

Background Premature ejaculation is one of the most common male sexual dysfunction, affecting approximately 30% of men. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and at the same time the safety of the cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device in treatment of premature ejaculation disorder. Methods Based on a randomized clinical trial, two groups were included in the study, so that the first group was treated with sertraline along with an ATANG (AT-9 model) CES, and the second group with sertraline and inactive the CES device (as the placebo group). The state of premature ejaculation after treatment (using the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaire) was evaluated and compared for both groups. Results In the intervention and placebo groups, the average score of the PEDT questionnaire before the intervention did not differ significantly between the two groups ( p -value equal to 0.93). However, the average score of the PEDT questionnaire after the intervention for CES group and placebo group was 10.28 ± 1.93 and 13.23 ± 3.05, respectively, which demonstrated a significant decrease in the intervention group ( p -value equal to 0.01). Conclusion The use of CES device as a complementary treatment along with routine drug treatment (sertraline) is associated with a significant improvement in the condition of premature ejaculation of patients. Trial registration Name of the registry: IRCT Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Trial registration number: IRCT20210621051657N1. Date of registration: December 11, 2022. URL of trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/57201 .