Objective: To investigate the effects of visualized precision electrophysiological diagnosis and transcutaneous low-frequency electrical stimulation (TES) on hypoxia-induced ED in high-altitude areas.
Methods: This study included 152 ED patients from high-altitude hypoxic areas treated by TES based on the parameters obtained from visualized precision electrophysiological diagnosis. We followed up the patients for 1 to 3 months and compared their IIEF-5 scores, nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) and infrared thermal metabolic technology (TMT)-based temperature of the whole body and diseased parts before and after treatment.
Results: All the patients successfully completed 1 to 3 courses of TES. There were no statistically significant differences in the IIEF-5 scores (P<0.05) and penile tip optimal erection rigidity and duration (P<0.01) of the patients before and after treatment. TMT images indicated a temperature change of >1.5 ℃ in the penis and bilateral inguinal regions after treatment, suggesting the effectiveness of electrical stimulation. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up.
Conclusion: TES based on the parameters obtained from visualized precision electrophysiological diagnosis has a definite effect on hypoxia-induced ED by enhancing oxygen supply to the penile corpus cavernosum and improving its function and structure.
Keywords: erectile dysfunction; hypoxia; IIEF-5; nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity; electrophysiological diagnosis; transcutaneous low-frequency electrical stimulation; high-altitude area.