[Electroacupuncture at Baliao points for erectile dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled trial].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Stroke survivors frequently experience erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can contribute to ED.
• Current treatments for post-stroke ED have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at Baliao points for treating ED in patients post-stroke.
• To assess the impact of this therapy on erectile function, quality of life, and pelvic floor muscle activity.

Main Methods:

• 58 patients with post-stroke ED were randomized into observation (electroacupuncture at Baliao points) and control groups.
• Both groups received standard care; the observation group received specific electroacupuncture.
• Treatment involved 5 sessions weekly for 4 weeks, with outcomes measured by IIEF-5, ED-EQoL scores, and pelvic floor muscle contraction amplitude.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed improved IIEF-5 and ED-EQoL scores, and increased pelvic floor muscle contraction amplitude post-treatment (P<0.05).
• The observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in these metrics compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture at Baliao points is effective in improving erectile function in post-stroke ED patients.
• This therapy enhances pelvic floor muscle function and positively impacts patients' quality of life.