Comparison of medical treatment and acupuncture in treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Objective: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of acupuncture in psychogenic ED patients, in comparison with the medical treatment. Material-Method: A total of 60 male patients, with psychogenic ED were randomized into 4 groups as electro-acupuncture only, electro-acupuncture and oral sildenafil 25 mg, a placebo sham acupuncture and oral sildenafil 50 mg only. The treatment lasted for six weeks in all groups, and patients were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5 scores). Results: After the treatment, all groups except the placebo group showed a significant increase in IIEF-5 scores, without significant differences among them. Conclusion: Acupuncture can be used in the complementary treatment of psychogenic ED patients.