Therapeutic Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Reduces ProstateVolume and Lower UrinaryTract Symptoms in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract 

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) etiology remains poorly understood, but chronic low-grade inflammation plays a role. Pulsed electromagnetic field
therapy (PEMF) (1-50 Hz) is effective in reducing tissue inflammation.

Objectives: We designed a pilot study to evaluate the effects of PEMF on prostate
volume (PV) in BPH.

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective interventional trial on 27 naive patients
with BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). At baseline (V0), all patients had
blood tests, transrectal ultrasound, and questionnaires (IPSS, IIEF-15) and received
a perineal PEMF device (Magcell®Microcirc, Physiomed Elektromedizin). PEMF was
delivered on perineal area 5 minutes twice daily for 28 days, then (V1) all baseline
evaluations were repeated. Afterward, nine patients continued therapy for 3 more
months (PT group) and 15 discontinued (FU group). A 4-month evaluation (V2) was
performed in both groups.

Results: A reduction was observed both at V1 and at V2 in PV: PVV0 44.5 mL (38.0;61.6)
vs PVV1 42.1 mL (33.7;61.5, P = .039) vs PVV2 41.7mL (32.7;62.8, P = .045). IPSS was
reduced both at V1 and at V2: IPSSV0 11 (5.7;23.2) vs IPSSV1 10 (6;16, P = .045) vs
IPSSV2 9 (6;14, P = .015). Baseline IPSS was related to IPSS reduction both at V1
(rs = 0.313;P = .003) and at V2 (rs = 0.664;P < .001). PV reduction in patients without
metabolic syndrome (ΔPVV1nMetS −4.7 mL, 95%CI −7.3;-2.0) was greater than in affected patients (ΔPVV1MetS 1.7 mL, 95%CI −2.69;6.1)(P = .017, Relative RiskMetS = 6).
No changes were found in gonadal hormones or sexual function.

Discussion: PEMF was able to reduce PV after 28 days of therapy. Symptoms improved in a short time, with high compliance and no effects on hormonal and sexual
function or any side effects. Patients with moderate-severe LUTS and without MetS
seem to benefit more from this treatment.