A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Vibrator-Assisted Start-Stop Exercises Improve Premature Ejaculation Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Daniel Ventus, Annika Gunst, Stefan Arver, Cecilia Dhejne, Katarina G. Öberg, Elin Zamore-Söderström, Antti Kärnä, Patrick Jern
Publisher: Springer Science+Business Media
Publication year: 2019
Journal: Archives of Sexual Behavior
Journal name in source: Archives of sexual behavior
Journal acronym: Arch Sex Behav
ISSN: 0004-0002
eISSN: 1573-2800
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01520-0
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/45544958
Premature ejaculation (PE) is associated with decreased quality of life, lower confidence and self-esteem, and higher levels of depression, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties. Here we investigated the effectiveness of vibrator-assisted start–stop exercises for treatment of PE, and whether the treatment effect could be enhanced by an additional psychobehavioral intervention. Fifty participants with a mean age of 41.7 years were included and randomized into two treatment groups and a waiting list control group. Participants were instructed to perform start–stop exercises while stimulating the penis with a purpose-made vibrator, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, participants in one of the treatment groups received additional psychoeducation and performed mindfulness meditation-based body scan exercises three times a week. Data were gathered through online questionnaires before and after treatment, as well as 3 and 6 months after treatment. The interventions reduced PE symptoms with large effect sizes (partial η2 = .20 across the three groups, d [95% CI] = 1.05 [.27, 1.82] and 1.07 [.32, 1.82] for treatment groups compared to waiting list control group). The additional psychobehavioral intervention did not further reduce PE symptoms, but did decrease PE-associated negative symptoms such as levels of sexual distress, anxiety, and depression. No side effects were reported. Vibrator-assisted start–stop exercises can be offered as an adequate treatment option for PE.
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