Electroacupuncture treatment for premature ejaculation

The Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Electroacupuncture at ST36 (Zusanli) in Treating Primary Premature Ejaculation

Not applicable Interventional The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School · NCT06172855

This study is testing if electroacupuncture can help men with premature ejaculation improve their control and feel better about it.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexMale
SponsorThe Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT06172855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture applied at the ST36 point (Zusanli) for treating primary premature ejaculation. It involves a single-arm cohort design where participants will receive daily electroacupuncture for 30 days, based on prior animal studies suggesting potential benefits. The study aims to assess improvements in ejaculation control and related psychological effects in men experiencing this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are heterosexual men aged 18 to 60 with a stable partner and a history of primary premature ejaculation.

Not a fit: Patients with urinary infections, hormonal abnormalities, systemic diseases, or significant organic abnormalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive option for men suffering from premature ejaculation, improving their sexual health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electroacupuncture for this condition is novel, previous studies on acupuncture for sexual dysfunction have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 to 60
2. Heterosexual, with a single, stable partner for more than 6 months
3. Symptoms of primary premature ejaculation: Complaints of IELT ≤ 1 min since the first sexual intercourse, and poor ability to control ejaculation leading to anxiety, annoyance, depression or/and avoidance of sexual life and other negative effects.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Urinary system infection: Urinary tract infection symptoms (such as urinary tract irritation symptoms, prostatitis symptoms, blood semen, etc.) or urine routine shows abnormal white blood cells and red blood cells
2. Abnormal androgen: sex hormone examination shows abnormal androgen (testosterone)
3. Systemic diseases: ask about medical history of hypertension, diabetes, alcohol dependence, coronary heart disease and mental disorders
4. Organic abnormalities: Abnormal development of external genitalia, bilateral testes, epididymis and spermatic cords with obvious abnormalities on palpation
5. History of surgery and trauma: Dorsal nerve block of the penis, erectile function-related surgery, prostate surgery, pelvic surgery, etc.
6. Influence of drugs: within one month before enrollment, have taken SSRI, tramadol and other drugs to treat diseases
7. Allergy to dapoxetine and lidocaine
8. History of drug, alcohol or substance abuse in the past 6 months
9. Accompanied by erectile dysfunction: International Index of Erectile Function-5 (International Index of Erectile Function, IIEF-5) score ≤ 21 points

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Premature EjaculationElectroacupunctureST36
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.