Premature ejaculation (PE) remains an underdetected and under-treated condition, despite the advances in available treatment options. Men with PE often feel stigmatized by the condition and embarrassment is a key barrier to discussing the problem with healthcare professionals. Men with PE perceive themselves as having little control over ejaculation and this lack of control is mirrored in diminished satisfaction with sexual intercourse. The burden of PE is both emotional and physical. Premature ejaculation is associated with low self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of shame and inferiority. In some studies there is an association with depression. Premature ejaculation places a significant burden on the patient–partner relationship and there is evidence to suggest that there is a higher prevalence of female sexual dysfunction associated with PE. Patients with PE often view the condition as purely psychological or as a problem that will resolve with time and many are unaware that medical treatment could be of benefit. This endorses the particularly important role of healthcare professionals in recognizing the barriers to patient diagnosis and promoting the view that PE is not only a common but also a treatable medical condition.

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This initial human study was performed to determine the safety and quality of life impact of transurethral radiofrequency energy (RFe) tissue micro-remodeling of the proximal urethra and bladder outlet in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Forty-one patients with SUI were sequentially enrolled into four treatment groups and then underwent rapid outpatient treatment under conscious sedation using an investigational RFe delivery device. The device is passed through the urethra and palpably positioned by the anchoring of a balloon within the bladder outlet. Four small needle electrodes are deployed into the proximal urethra and/or bladder outlet submucosa, and RFe is delivered. No patient has suffered a serious adverse event in 6 months of follow-up. At 6 months, 75%-80% of patients in all four groups have demonstrated an improvement in quality of life. Two groups demonstrated statistical significance in both mean quality of life improvement and incontinence frequency reduction at 6 months.

This pilot clinical trial was performed to evaluate the safety and impact on quality of life and incontinence episode frequency of nonsurgical radiofrequency energy (RF) tissue micro-remodeling in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The palpation-guided treatment produces focal denaturation of submucosal collagen, resulting in reduced luminal wall compliance without luminal narrowing. Forty-one women suffering from SUI associated with urethral hypermobility were enrolled into four treatment groups which differed in total number and lower urinary tract location of micro-remodeling sites. No serious and only limited minor adverse events were associated with the treatment. Incidence of quality of life score improvement at 12 months ranged from 75 to 78%, and statistically significant incontinence episode frequency reduction was demonstrated by three of four treatment groups. RF micro-remodeling demonstrated 12-month safety, quality of life improvement, and incontinence episode frequency reduction. No one treatment group demonstrated clear superiority in efficacy outcomes.

The 18-core protocol improves prostate cancer detection without increasing morbidity. Results suggest that the 12-core biopsy protocol is adequate for prostate cancer detection at first biopsy.