Premature Ejaculation
Conditions
Keywords
Lifelong Premature Ejaculation, Behavioral Therapy
Brief summary
This pilot study compared two approaches for men with lifelong premature ejaculation, a condition in which ejaculation occurs sooner than desired from the first sexual experiences and is difficult to delay. The aim was to explore their effects on ejaculation time, symptoms, treatment satisfaction, and side effects, and whether improvements persisted after treatment stopped. Thirty-two men aged 18-35 years were assigned by chance to use either a soft silicone band over the frenulum, the sensitive area on the underside of the head of the penis, or a prilocaine spray, a medicine that temporarily reduces sensation. Both treatments were used before or during intercourse as instructed for one month. Both groups also received guidance on techniques to help control ejaculation, including pausing stimulation and relaxation exercises. After the first month, participants stopped using the band or spray and continued the behavioural techniques alone for another month. Assessments took place at the start of the study and after one and two months. Participants estimated their average time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation and completed a questionnaire about premature ejaculation symptoms. Treatment satisfaction, treatment experience, and side effects were also assessed.
Detailed description
This single-centre, randomized, open-label pilot trial compared a frenular silicone band plus behavioural counselling with topical prilocaine 10% spray plus the same counselling in men with lifelong premature ejaculation. The sample size was pragmatic, with 16 participants per group, and the study was intended to provide preliminary estimates to inform further research. Participants were allocated in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated random sequence. Treatment assignments were concealed from the enrolling investigator using envelopes. Participants and treating clinicians were aware of the assigned intervention. The silicone band was cut from medical-grade silicone adhesive tape intended for wound contact and used outside its stated intended purpose. Its use for premature ejaculation was described in the ethics-approved protocol and participant information sheet. Participants received standardized training in positioning and removing the band. Both groups received counselling on the stop-start technique, the squeeze technique, and breathing and relaxation exercises. The assigned band or spray was used during the first month and then discontinued. Behavioural techniques continued throughout the two-month follow-up. This design allowed assessment of changes during treatment and whether these changes persisted during the month after withdrawal. At baseline and each follow-up visit, participants recalled their average intravaginal ejaculatory latency time over the preceding two weeks, rounded to the nearest minute. These values were subjective estimates; no stopwatch, diary, or contemporaneous record was used. Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores were collected at the same visits. The Premature Ejaculation Treatment Outcome questionnaire and a five-point treatment satisfaction scale were administered at the end of the first month. Participants were also asked about local reactions, discomfort, band displacement, and other adverse events. The trial was not prospectively registered. This record is being submitted after study completion.
Interventions
DEVICEFrenular Silicone Band
A single-use segment measuring 4 cm × 2 cm and 2 mm thick was cut from medical-grade silicone adhesive tape intended for wound contact. Once a full erection was achieved, the participant positioned the band over the ventral frenular region, leaving the remainder of the glans exposed. The band remained in place throughout intercourse and was removed immediately afterward. A fresh segment was used for each encounter during the first month. Participants received standardized application and removal training. The tape was used outside its stated intended purpose.
DRUGPrilocaine 10% Spray
Prilocaine 10% spray was applied to the glans penis approximately 5 minutes before each vaginal intercourse encounter during the first month. Participants received standardized instructions on application. The spray was discontinued at the end of the first month.
Sponsors
Başakşehir Çam & Sakura City Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to a frenular silicone band or topical prilocaine 10% spray, with 16 participants per group. Both groups received identical behavioural counselling throughout the two-month study. The assigned band or spray was used during the first month and discontinued during the second month, while behavioural techniques continued. Participants remained in their original groups without crossover.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male participants aged 18-35 years. * Lifelong (primary) premature ejaculation with a reported inability to delay ejaculation. * Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) score of 11 or higher. * In a stable heterosexual relationship for at least six months. * Able to engage in vaginal intercourse at least three times per week. * Willing to comply with the study protocol and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Secondary (acquired) premature ejaculation. * Erectile dysfunction, defined as a five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score below 22. * Any chronic systemic disease, including diabetes mellitus or hypertension. * Any psychiatric disorder or current or recent use of psychiatric medications. * Regular use of medication affecting ejaculatory function. * Use of any treatment for premature ejaculation at enrollment. * Known hypersensitivity to prilocaine or silicone-based materials. * Any penile anatomical abnormality.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change From Baseline in Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) Score | Baseline, Month 1, and Month 2 | Change from baseline in the total PEDT score at the end of Month 1 and Month 2. The PEDT is a five-item questionnaire assessing ejaculatory control, frequency of premature ejaculation, ejaculation with minimal stimulation, distress, and interpersonal difficulty. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, yielding a total score of 0 to 20. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms; a reduction from baseline indicates improvement. Month 1 assessed response during the assigned intervention plus behavioral therapy, and Month 2 assessed response after intervention withdrawal while behavioral therapy continued. |
| Change From Baseline in Patient-Estimated Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time (IELT) | Baseline, Month 1, and Month 2 | Change from baseline in patient-estimated IELT, measured in minutes, at the end of Month 1 and Month 2. IELT was defined as the time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation. At each visit, participants recalled their average IELT over the preceding two weeks, rounded to the nearest minute. No stopwatch or intercourse diary was used. Higher values indicate longer ejaculatory latency. Month 1 assessed response to the assigned intervention plus behavioral therapy; Month 2 assessed persistence of response after withdrawal of the assigned intervention, with behavioral therapy continuing alone. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed