Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Interventions in the Management Male Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

Male sexual dysfunction is a common disorder with consequential implications. Hitherto, treatment was based on pharmacological approach which has yielded little success in sustainability and produced attendant complications including overweight/obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Hence, the paradigm is toward non-pharmacological approach, but their efficacy is yet to be summarized for clinical practice. This study summarized efficacy of physiotherapy for male sexual dysfunction to inform clinical decision-making and practice.

Methodology

Electronic search of clinical trials on PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted covering from inception till July 2021 using words, such as male sexual dysfunction and physiotherapy and further refined to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, exercises, electrical stimulation, biofeedback. Search strategy included expansion via medical subject headings (MeSH) and truncation of keywords. Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” were utilized.

Results

Out of 239 studies, 13 eligible ones were included in this study. Outcome measures used were full/abridged versions of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF/IIEF-5), Manometric, or digital anal pressure measurement. Eleven studies were on erectile dysfunction/erectile dysfunction with climacturia and two on premature ejaculation. Physiotherapy was for 6–12 weeks covering 9–20 sessions. Physiotherapy used was standalone/combinations of pelvic floor muscle exercises, electrical stimulation, or biofeedback. PEDro scores of the studies were 4–9/10. Studies involved 912 participants (472/440 intervention/control) between 19 and 83 years with erectile dysfunction lasting 6–360 months. There was significant (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ .05) improvement in sexual function (interventions > controls). Nothing determines the efficacy of physiotherapy or choice of approach.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy is an effective non-pharmacological treatment approach for male sexual dysfunction.

Keywords:

• Sexual function
• erectile dysfunction
• premature ejaculation
• physiotherapy
• male

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.