[Treatment of hypoxia-induced ED in high-altitude areas by transcutaneous low-frequency electrical stimulation based on the parameters obtained from visualized precision electrophysiological diagnosis]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2024 Feb;30(2):132-138.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Altitude*
  • Erectile Dysfunction* / diagnosis
  • Erectile Dysfunction* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia*
  • Male
  • Penile Erection
  • Penis / physiopathology
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome