Understanding Wearable Male Sexual Devices: Trends, Safety, and Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction

Male sexual dysfunction (MSD) is common, especially as men age, with over 50% of men aged 40 to 70 reporting erectile dysfunction (ED). Conditions like ED, Peyronie’s disease, and premature ejaculation (PE) can affect sexual health, and they are often linked to factors like stress, medication use, or other health conditions. Younger men are also experiencing more MSD, with 14.1% of men aged 18 to 31 reporting some degree of ED.

Many men use medication to treat MSD, but some may rely on unprescribed drugs, leading to disappointment if the medication doesn’t work as expected. This has sparked interest in non-medication solutions like wearable male sexual devices. These devices are worn during sexual activity and aim to improve sexual performance or pleasure without needing drugs or surgery. Despite the potential of these devices, few studies have explored their safety and effectiveness. This review aims to provide a clearer understanding of these devices for doctors and patients alike.

To evaluate wearable male sexual devices for treating MSD, experts in men’s health reviewed available products and research. They analyzed eight devices: Eddie by Giddy, Maintain Loop Ring, FirmTech Performance Ring, Prolong Climax Control, Xialla, Adam Sensor, Morari Patch, and vPatch/in2 Patch. Information was gathered from product websites, forums, ads, clinical recommendations, and published studies found through PubMed and Google Scholar.

The review compared the devices based on patient feedback, cost, features, and safety, including whether they were approved by the FDA. Google Trends was used to track the popularity of the devices between 2012 and 2023, showing Eddie by Giddy as the most popular. Data were collected on how often these devices were searched online and compared to common search terms like “news,” “weather,” and “sports” to measure their overall popularity.

The following is a description of the types of wearable male sexual devices that were reviewed:

Constriction bands like Eddie by Giddy, Maintain Loop Ring, and Xialla, work by applying pressure to the penis to help maintain an erection. They are easy to use, affordable, and generally safe, though improper use can cause injury or reduced sensation. These bands can help reduce anxiety during sexual encounters and are especially useful post-surgery for some men.

Neuromodulation devices, such as the Morari Patch and vPatch, use electrical stimulation to delay ejaculation and improve sexual performance. These devices are discreet, noninvasive, and controlled via smartphone apps. While effective, they can be costly, and potential risks include minor skin irritation or nerve injury.

Vibratory stimulation devices, like Prolong Climax Control, use vibration to enhance sensation and blood flow. These are easy to use and safe but may cause discomfort for some men. They show potential for treating MSD but require more clinical research.

Wearable smart devices provide real-time feedback on sexual performance, helping users track and improve sexual function. These devices, like penis rings and prostate massagers, have advanced with sensor technology and artificial intelligence. They can monitor erectile function and overall sexual health, even during sleep, using similar methods to traditional medical tools.

Although experts in men’s health reviewed all available research on each of these devices, no formal recommendation could be made due to limited clinical trials. Nevertheless, the researchers compiled the following information on these wearable male sexual devices:  

Eddie by Giddy:

• Reusable constriction band designed for ED
• FDA-registered, made with medical-grade materials
• Sells for $188
• Clinical trials showed improved sexual satisfaction and self-esteem, but not peer-reviewed
• Patented design avoids obstructing the urethra
• Open-bottom design reduces risks like penile strangulation

Maintain Loop Ring:

• Adjustable ring for ED and PE
• FDA-cleared
• Retails for $27
• No supporting clinical trials
• Must be worn for no more than 30 minutes to avoid risks like ischemia or penile strangulation, with a lower risk due to its adjustability

Xialla:

• Soft silicone ring with adhesive pads for anchoring
• FDA-compliant
• Costs $50
• Claimed to be more effective than traditional rings
• Two clinical trials show promising results for various forms of ED
• Only 45% of users continued use after 3 months

FirmTech Rings:

• Smart ring tracks erections; performance ring helps maintain erections
• Smart ring priced at $275, performance ring at $60
• Scientific backing claimed, but no peer-reviewed studies available

Adam Sensor:

• Monitors erectile activity overnight and provides data via a mobile app
• Still in development
• Preliminary research suggests potential as a clinical tool

Morari Patch:

• Wearable patch for PE
• Blocks brain-body signals to delay ejaculation
• In investigatory phase with no published safety or effectiveness data

Virility Medical vPatch/in2 Patch:

• Nerve stimulator for treating PE by improving muscle function
• Clinical trials show significant increase in time to ejaculation
• FDA-cleared but not yet commercially available in the U.S.

Prolong Climax Control:

• Vibratory device paired with a training program for PE
• Clinical trials showed effectiveness in increasing time to ejaculation
• No reported side effects
• Sells for $269 and is FDA-cleared

In conclusion, wearable male sexual devices are becoming more popular as the stigma around sexual health decreases. While these products may offer potential benefits, patients should be aware that many devices still need more thorough clinical trials to confirm their safety and effectiveness. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using these devices to ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs.

For more information on this topic, please read this publication from Sexual Medicine Reviews:

Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices

References:

• Loeb, C. A., Hammad, M. A. M., Barham, D. W., Miller, J., Young, K., Horwitz, R., Amini, E., Nguyen, M. X., Nag, N., & Jenkins, L. C. (2024). Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 12(3), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qead053