While international guidelines advocate for a multifaceted approach to treating erectile dysfunction (ED) involving physical activities, psychological support, and education, structured programs are infrequent. To address this gap, an app-based therapy was developed, offering a systematic approach. This randomized, single-blind controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of an app-based therapeutic in improving ED.
A total of 241 patients (49.74, standard deviation 12.73 yr) with ED (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-5 <22) were randomized to the 12-wk app-based therapy (treatment group [TG], n = 122) or a waiting list for the app with continuation of their current management protocol (control group [CG], n = 119). Patients on long-term medication for ED were included, but subsequent exclusion occurred for those starting new medication. Coprimary endpoints were improvements from baseline to 12 wk in erectile function (IIEF-5), disease-related quality of life (QOL-Med-15), and patient activation (Patient Activation Measure [PAM-13]).
Erectile function (IIEF-5) improved by 4.5 points in the TG versus 0.2 points in the CG (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-5.0) group. Quality of life (QOL-Med) improved by 20.5 points in the TG versus -0.0 points in the CG (p < 0.0001, 95% CI 19.2-26.0) group. Patient activation (PAM-13) improved by 11.2 points in the TG versus 0.6 points in the CG (p < 0.0001, 95% CI 9.1-13.6) group. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor intake had no influence on all observed treatment effects.
App-based therapy of patients with ED provided a significant, clinically meaningful improvement. Quality of life and patient activation were also enhanced significantly. This program has the potential to change clinical practice in the treatment of ED.
A therapy app improved sexual function and overall well-being for men experiencing erectile dysfunction, leading to better quality of life.
European urology focus. 2024 Jun 08 [Epub ahead of print]
Sabine Kliesch, Jann-Frederik Cremers, Claudia Krallmann, Robin Epplen, Bettina Scheffer, Tim Schubert, Maria Schubert, Nici Markus Dreger, Ralph Raschke, Ehsan Khaljani, Andreas Maxeiner, Kurt Miller, Laura Wiemer, Michael Zitzmann
Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Clinic Münster, Münster, Germany. Electronic address: ., Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Clinic Münster, Münster, Germany., Urologie am Malkasten, Düsseldorf, Germany., Urologie-Teltow, Teltow, Germany., Urologie-Werder, Werder, Germany., Clinic of Urology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany., Clinic of Urology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Kranus-Health GmbH, München, Germany.