Effect of topical clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry) gel on premature ejaculation: A pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual disorders worldwide without a satisfying treatment. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a topical formulation of clove oil in premature ejaculation patients. Eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups to use either Syzygium aromaticum (SA) 1% gel or placebo gel 10 minutes before the intercourse for a period of 8 weeks. Outcome measurement were Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires in addition to Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT). A total number of 22 (11 patients in each group) participants completed the study. At the end of the intervention, the IELT scores changed from 29.84±18.59 to 97.09±91.86 and 42.51±13.98 to 52.45±32.7 seconds in SA gel and placebo groups, respectively (p-value =0.003). Also, the changes of PEDT scores in the SA gel group (from 14±3.55 to 9.2±4.56) comparing to that of placebo gel group (from 14.63±3.61 to 13.5±3.78) was significantly different (p-value = 0.001). Moreover, results of IIEF questionnaire revealed significant improvement of “Intercourse Satisfaction” in SA gel group (p-value = 0.016). No adverse event was observed. It seems that SA gel could be beneficial in the treatment of premature ejaculation; however, it should be further evaluated in larger studies.