Acupuncture and Hypnotic Suggestions in the Treatment of Non-organic Male Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

We have examined the effects of acupuncture and hypnotic suggestions, and compared them with placebo in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction with no detectable organic cause. The study comprised 15 men (mean age 36.7 ± 10.43 years) who received acupuncture treatment, 16 men (mean age 38.4 ± 10.75 years) who underwent hypnosis (mean age 35.3 ± 11.52 years) and 29 men (mean age 36.2 ± 11.38 years) who served as controls. They were interviewed periodically; the patients' reports were verified by interviewing their partners. Men who received placebo had a 43–47% improvement in sexual function, while the rates of improvement in the treated groups were higher, but not significantly so. The success rates of acupuncture and hypnotic suggestions were 60% and 75%, respectively. Although the improvement was not statistically significant, treatment with acupuncture could be used as an adjuvant therapy in non-organic male sexual dysfunction. The only treatment superior to placebo seemed to be hypnosis. A more effective treatment may be obtained by combining these therapeutic modalities, but this needs further study.

Key Words:

• acupuncture
• hypnosis
• non-organic impotence