The efficiency of biofeedback electric stimulation therapy combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in treating erectile dysfunction: a clinical study

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of both patients and their partners. Current therapeutic approaches often struggle to address the diverse needs of all patients. In addition, the efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in improving ED symptoms has been insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of LIPUS and to assess whether combining LIPUS with biofeedback electric stimulation for pelvic floor therapy enhances treatment outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively retrieved and assessed the data of 68 patients treated at West China Fourth Hospital. Of them, 30 patients received LIPUS therapy alone, while 38 underwent combined therapy of LIPUS and biofeedback electric stimulation. Both groups completed eight treatment sessions.

Results: After the treatment, the efficacy of the treatments was measured using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Erectile Hardness Score (EHS), and Erection Satisfaction Score (ESS) after 4 and 8 treatments. Significant improvements were observed in the LIPUS-only group in IIEF-5, EHS and ESS scores (p < 0.001 for all measures). The positive response rate was 79.41% after eight treatments. Improvements in IIEF-5 scores were observed in both groups (LIPUS: 11.50 to 16.60; combined therapy: 10.61 to 16.90; p < 0.001), as well as in EHS scores (LIPUS: 2.27 to 3.07; combined therapy: 2.26 to 3.11; p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the LIPUS-only and combined therapy groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: LIPUS therapy demonstrates potential for alleviating ED symptoms, and the addition of biofeedback electric stimulation for pelvic floor therapy did not result in significantly superior outcomes compared to LIPUS alone. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations is necessary to confirm these results.