Vibrator‐Assisted Start–Stop Exercises Improve Premature Ejaculation Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Premature ejaculation (PE) is associated with decreased quality of life, lower confidence and self-esteem, and higher levels ofdepression, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties. Here we investigated the effectiveness of vibrator-assisted start–stop exercisesfor treatment of PE, and whether the treatment effect could be enhanced by an additional psychobehavioral intervention. Fiftyparticipants with a mean age of 41.7 years were included and randomized into two treatment groups and a waiting list controlgroup. Participants were instructed to perform start–stop exercises while stimulating the penis with a purpose-made vibrator, 3times a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, participants in one of the treatment groups received additional psychoeducation and per-formed mindfulness meditation-based body scan exercises three times a week. Data were gathered through online questionnairesbefore and after treatment, as well as 3 and 6 months after treatment. The interventions reduced PE symptoms with large effectsizes (partial η2 = .20 across the three groups, d [95% CI] = 1.05 [.27, 1.82] and 1.07 [.32, 1.82] for treatment groups compared towaiting list control group). The additional psychobehavioral intervention did not further reduce PE symptoms, but did decreasePE-associated negative symptoms such as levels of sexual distress, anxiety, and depression. No side effects were reported. Vibrator-assisted start–stop exercises can be offered as an adequate treatment option for PE.