This study explores the use of wearable devices, specifically the Fitbit Versa 3, to monitor physiological changes during sexual encounters in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). While the physiological mechanisms behind erection are well understood, the sexual response in men with psychogenic ED remains poorly understood. The objective of this prospective study was to use wearable technology to track heart rate variability and other physiological parameters during sexual activity, both during masturbation and with a partner. Thirty-five sexual encounters were recorded over a 12-week period, with data collected from the Fitbit app and analyzed by the research team.
Participants were men diagnosed with psychogenic ED, who experienced normal erections during masturbation but struggled with erectile function during partnered sexual activity. The Fitbit device was used to measure heart rate variability throughout the phases of sexual activity: excitement (initial rise in heart rate), plateau, orgasm (peak heart rate), and resolution (return to baseline heart rate). The results revealed that heart rate variability showed no significant difference between masturbation and sexual activity with a partner, aligning with the classical four-phase model of human sexual response.
The study demonstrates that wearable devices can be effectively utilized to measure physiological changes during sexual activity, providing valuable insights into the sexual response of men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. This research is the first to show consistency in heart rate variability between masturbation and partnered sexual encounters in this population, contributing to the limited literature on objective physiological measurements in sexual health. These findings highlight the potential for wearable technology to play a role in monitoring and understanding sexual function in men with psychogenic ED.
