New hope for new premature ejaculation treatment

Researchers tested an experimental approach in which penile nerve tissue is frozen to knock out overactive nerves helped men with premature ejaculation last three times longer technique on 24 men who hadn’t been helped by standard treatments. They lasted an average of 110 seconds before ejaculation, or nearly two minutes, over the three months they were followed, compared with 36 seconds before treatment. Its supporters say the technique, or a similar one involving heat therapy, could someday become a standard treatment for the condition. Also unknown: whether men would opt for the treatment. The findings were presented here at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Prologo consults for Galil Medical, which funded the study.

Premature ejaculation affects 20% to 38% of men, making it among the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction worldwide. Treatment options include certain antidepressants such as Celexa (citalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline), as well as anesthetic ointments and cream, and behavioral therapies. But many men aren’t helped by the treatments, Prologo says. The new technique involves inserting a tiny, hollow needle into the skin near the belly button. Using computerized imaging for guidance, the doctor snakes it down to one of the two dorsal penile nerves. Overactivity of these nerves has been implicated as a cause of premature ejaculation.

The premature ejaculation treatment procedure takes about 45 minutes, and men can go home the same day. While still experimental, Prologo estimates the cost at $3,500. After the procedure, men were asked five questions relating to their sexual satisfaction. All improved on at least one sexual-related symptom. There were no side effects from the procedure. However, three men reported their erections weren’t as firm afterward, for reasons Prologo can’t explain. Unknown is how long the treatment will last. In the third month of the study, some men started ejaculating more quickly again. Prologo says repeat injections may be necessary, and he is following the men for six months to see what happens.

http://men.webmd.com/news/20111202/treatment-shows-promise-premature-ejaculation