The aim of this paper was to systematically review effectiveness, safety, and robustness of evidence for complementary and alternative medicine in managing premature ejaculation (PE). Nine databases were searched through September 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating complementary and alternative medicine for PE were included. Studies were included if they reported on intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and/or another validated PE measurement. Adverse effects were summarized.
Ten RCTs were included. Two assessed acupuncture, five assessed Chinese herbal medicine, one assessed Ayurvedic herbal medicine, and two assessed topical “severance secret” cream. Risk of bias was unclear in all studies because of unclear allocation concealment or blinding, and only five studies reported stopwatch-measured IELT. Acupuncture slightly increased IELT over placebo in one study (mean difference [MD] = 0.55 minute, P = .001). In another study, Ayurvedic herbal medicine slightly increased IELT over placebo (MD = 0.80 minute, P = .001). Topical severance secret cream increased IELT over placebo in two studies (MD = 8.60 minutes, P < .001), although inclusion criteria were broad (IELT < 3 minutes). Three studies comparing Chinese herbal medicine with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) favored SSRIs (MD = 1.01 minutes, P = .02). However, combination treatment with Chinese medicine plus SSRIs improved IELT over SSRIs alone (two studies; MD = 1.92 minutes, P < .00001) and over Chinese medicine alone (two studies; MD = 2.52 minutes, P < .00001). Adverse effects were not consistently assessed but where reported were generally mild.
The authors concluded that there is preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic herbal medicine, and topical severance secret cream in improving IELT and other outcomes. However, results are based on clinically heterogeneous studies of unclear quality. There are sparse data on adverse effects or potential for drug interactions. Further well-conducted randomized controlled trials would be valuable.
One has to be an optimist to agree that this constitutes ‘preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic herbal medicine, and topical severance secret cream in improving IELT and other outcomes.’ In the discussion section, the authors stress that “…all 10 studies were classed as having an overall unclear risk of bias because of unclear reporting of allocation concealment (all 10 studies) and unclear blinding of participants and personnel (five studies).” This hardly allows even a preliminary conclusion, in my view.
So, what DOES this review show? I think it demonstrates that
- alternative therapies are being touted and occasionally tested for even the most unlikely conditions,
- the quality of the studies is generally too poor to justify the research (particularly in an area as intrusive as PE),
- clinical trials often seem to be used not for finding answers but for promotion,
- in alternative medicine, trialists regularly violate research ethics by failing to report adverse effects.
13 Responses to Coming sooner or later – alternative therapies for premature ejaculation
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Would this be a ‘hands on’ treatment?
If so, I’m surprised there have not as yet been any comments from Geir.
When I was young, I was was advised to “deal with the problem” before it becomes a problem. Nudge nudge, wink wink.
I think it further demonstrates that PE is highly suggestable and if something makes the person have more confidence in their ability then they are less likely to PE. There is a simple physical method for preventing most PE that can be taught in one session people shouldn’t need to be using any of this rubbish.
The sad reality is that “people shouldn’t need to be using any of this rubbish” for any health condition, unless perhaps they are stuck in a jungle of South America and cannot find a witch doctor or some other faith healer and deny reality.
By far the most effective means of increasing IELT / managing PE, would be to read that systematic review while performing activities that result in PE.
I’d suggest getting a paper copy of that systematic review because paper is far more absorbent than computing devices.
excellent idea!
so, alternative medicine works after all – in a way.
Yes it does seen from the right angle. Never saw a mention of the postion people had sex. Usually upside down with the woman in control is the best trick
we need a randomised, controlled trial; can I volunteer?
I’m in (pun). Let me know if you find one.
Pete….you are exactly right in this comment.
If a paper copy of that systematic review doesn’t solve a PE problem then I would highly recommend using a free copy of a newspaper…
benefits: zero or greater;
initial cost: zero;
risks: spouse instigating divorce proceedings.
Two thumbs up!