Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors for Premature Ejaculation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials

Abstract

The purpose of this analysis is to assess the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). A comprehensive search was performed to ascertain from trials about PDE5Is for the treatment of PE and compare the results, including intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IVELT), score of sexual satisfaction scale, and side effects, between the group treated with PDE5Is and that treated with placebo. Seven studies involving a total of 471 patients were included in this meta-analysis. This analysis showed that patients who were treated with PDE5Is had significantly increased IVELT (mean difference [MD] 2.60; 95% CI [1.85, 3.36]; p < .00001) and score of sexual satisfaction scale (MD 2.04; 95% CI [0.78, 3.30]; p = .002) compared with the group on placebo. More patients had side effects while taking PDE5Is, such as headache, dizziness, flushing, and nasal congestion. PDE5Is were significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of PE. Side effects were more common among patients who were treated with PDE5Is.