TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION BY AN EXTERNAL ISCHIOCAVERNOUS MUSCLE STIMULATOR

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeuti c potency of an electrotherapy of striated ischiocavernous muscles in patients with erectile dysfunction. Patients and Methods: Transcutaneo us electrostimulation of striated ischiocavernous muscles by self-adhe sive penile or perineal skin electrodes was performed in 48 patients w ith erectile dysfunction. 6/48 patients (R) responded to intracavernou s pharmacotherapy while 42/48 (NR) did not show significant penile rig idity even to intracavernous papaverine/phentolamine/PGE(1) triple dru g medication. Results: Within the observation time of 3 months, 10/48 patients dropped out. 22/38 patients reported a penile rigidity for su fficient sexual intercourse whereby 3/22 NR required additional intrac avernous pharmacotherapy. Penile rigidity could be objectivated by tri ple drug medication in 12/14 NR after ischiocavernous muscle stimulati on (EIS) therapy. 5/6 R were treated successfully for premature erecti on loss. During EIS treatment neither discomfort nor complications cou ld be observed. Conclusion: Transcutaneous electrostimulation of ischi ocavernous muscles isa new, noninvasive therapy for the improvement of penile rigidity. The clinical results underline the importance of the striated ischiocavernous muscles for penile rigidity.