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Loeb CA, Hammad MAM, Barham DW, Miller J, Young K, Horwitz R, Amini E, Nguyen MX, Nag N, Jenkins LC, Pearlman AM, Yafi FA. Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:411-418. [PMID: 38686687 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) increases with age, with >50% of men aged >40 years reporting erectile dysfunction (ED). In recent years, wearable male sex devices (WMSDs) have been increasingly utilized by patients and recommended by sexual medicine clinicians. OBJECTIVES This study seeks to investigate the safety and efficacy of products currently marketed for the treatment of MSD. METHODS Available products for WMSDs were reviewed by analyzing product websites, forums, advertisements, and clinical recommendations. Qualitative comparisons were based on patient reviews, cost, and specific features. Investigatory evidence and Food and Drug Administration status were also reviewed. Additionally, Google Trends was used to determine the popularity of devices over time. RESULTS Eight WMSDs for the treatment of MSD and enhancement of sexual pleasure were reviewed. Constriction bands, such as the Maintain Ring Loop, Eddie by Giddy, and Xialla, have shown significant benefits in clinical trials and were the most popular devices among patients. Smart devices can provide real-time feedback on erectile quality and/or sexual performance. Similar to the RigiScan, the Adam sensor provides feedback on erectile quality while monitoring changes in penile tumescence during sleep with additional analysis available through a mobile application. Neuromodulation devices such as the Morari Patch and vPatch/in2 Patch use electrical stimulation to delay ejaculation and improve sexual function. The FirmTech Performance Ring uses sensors to track the vital signs of erectile fitness with clinical trials ongoing. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this review describes the available investigatory evidence for a range of WMSDs and highlights the potential benefits and limitations of these devices in treating MSD and enhancing sexual pleasure. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these devices and to determine which ones may be the most suitable for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Loeb
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
| | - Muhammad A M Hammad
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
| | - David W Barham
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
| | - Jake Miller
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
| | - Kirsten Young
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92617, United States
| | - Rainey Horwitz
- Department of Urology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States
| | - Eliad Amini
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92617, United States
| | - Mai Xuan Nguyen
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
| | - Nitish Nag
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
| | - Lawrence C Jenkins
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
- Department of Urology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, United States
| | - Amy M Pearlman
- Prime Institute, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301, United States
| | - Faysal A Yafi
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
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Fu F, Duthie CJ, Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ, Walker LM. Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2022; 10:100559. [PMID: 36030692 PMCID: PMC9537238 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) can lead to reduced sexual intimacy in men. The external penile prosthesis (EPP) is a device to help them participate in penetrative sex. Aim We investigate factors that may affect the willingness of individuals with ED to try an EPP and explore how the EPP could be presented most effectively to such patients to enhance their willingness to try an EPP. Methods Recruitment for this cross-sectional study occurred in-person and online. 147 participants (60.0 ± 14.3 years old; all experiencing self-reported ED) completed a survey containing both validated measures and questions specific to this study. The survey was open to English-speakers over the age of 18 who self-reported experiencing ED. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome was participants’ willingness to try an EPP based on their level of knowledge about using the EPP. Secondary outcomes included the influence of the sexual function, sexual distress, ED history, age, relationship duration, sexual flexibility on willingness to try an EPP. We also collected feedback from participants’ on how and where they would like to be introduced to the EPP option. Results Most participants indicated a preference for being introduced to the EPP after trying some ED treatments (51.0%). Participants did not have strong preference regarding the setting where they were informed about the EPP. The majority however preferred having a sexual health therapist/counsellor (28.6%) or physician (25.9%) as the person introducing the EPP to them. Participants’ willingness to try the EPP increased with more information about the EPP presented to them (P < .001). Personalization of the EPP to match one's own penis was preferred by 38.7% of participants. Referring to this aid as an ‘external penile prosthesis’ was significantly more preferred over alternative labels, such as a “belted prosthetic phallus” or “strap-on dildo” (Ps < .001 for both). Multiple regression analyses showed that only sexual script flexibility was associated with the initial willingness to try an EPP (P < .01). Clinical Implications Clinicians should consider presenting the EPP to men with ED, who desire maintaining penetrative sexual intercourse with their partners. Strength and Limitations This is the first study to explore factors influencing the willingness to try an EPP. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of EPPs for maintaining sexual activity and satisfaction in the real-life setting. Conclusion This study informs clinicians about effective ways to introduce the EPP to patients with ED who wish to maintain insertive/receptive sex. Fu F, Duthie CJ, Wibowo E, et al. Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100559.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fong Fu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Cassian J Duthie
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Erik Wibowo
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard J Wassersug
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lauren M Walker
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, & Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada.
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Krzastek SC, Bopp J, Smith RP, Kovac JR. Recent advances in the understanding and management of erectile dysfunction. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 30740217 PMCID: PMC6348436 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16576.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is important to a man’s well-being and health, since it not only affects the individual but also causes strain on a couple’s lifestyle and relationship. There are multiple non-invasive treatments that exist for ED including lifestyle changes, oral medications (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors), vacuum-assisted erectile devices, and intraurethral suppositories. While lifestyle changes and oral medications are typically first-line treatments for ED, more-invasive treatments including intracavernosal injections and surgically implanted prosthetic devices may be required for the management of complex cases. Additionally, novel therapies are currently being developed, and future treatment options may include shock-wave therapy, external prosthetic devices, and injection of stem cells or platelet-rich plasma. The current manuscript seeks to highlight advances in management and may eventually alter the treatment paradigm to allow more-inclusive care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Krzastek
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Justin Bopp
- Men's Health Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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