Acupuncture for premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Abstract Background Although acupuncture is widely used to treat premature ejaculation (PE), its effectiveness remains highly controversial. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on PE. Methods According to the relevant keywords, 11 major English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture alone or in combination with other treatments for PE. The quality of evidence across studies was assessed by the GRADEpro tool. Outcomes Study outcome measures included the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation–5 (CIPE-5), treatment success rate, and adverse events. Results Seven trials were included in this review for a total of 603 participants. A low quality of evidence suggests that it is not possible to determine whether acupuncture, as compared with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has an advantage in improving the IELT (standardized mean difference [SMD], −1.75; 95% CI, −6.12 to 2.63; P = .43, I2 = 98%), PEDT scores (SMD, 0.32; 95% CI, −0.68 to 1.32; P = .53, I2 = 85%), and treatment success rate (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.41-1.14; P = .15). However, participants receiving acupuncture had a lower CIPE-5 (SMD, −1.06; 95% CI, −1.68 to −0.44; P < .01). As compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture significantly improved the IELT (SMD, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.01-1.92; P < .01, I2 = 0%) and PEDT scores (SMD, −1.23; 95%…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 603 participants or records.
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