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Incidence of erectile dysfunction in Italian men with diabetes.

PURPOSE: We determined the incidence of erectile dysfunction in Italian men with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We estimated the incidence of erectile dysfunction, defined as failure to achieve and maintain erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, after 2.8 years of followup in 1,010 men enrolled for a prevalence study of erectile dysfunction in diabetes. RESULTS: Of the 1,010 men 192 (19%) complained of erectile dysfunction. The crude incidence rate of erectile dysfunction was 68 cases per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 59 to 77). The incidence of erectile dysfunction increased with increasing age (10-fold higher for ages 70 to 79 than for 19 to 29 years), duration of diabetes (1.6-fold higher a history of 11 years or greater than for less than 5) and deteriorating metabolic control (1.7-fold higher for hemoglobin A1c greater than 9% than less than 7.5%). Moreover, it was higher in type 2 than in type 1 diabetes (74 versus 45 cases per 1,000 person-years). The relative risk was 1.75, 2.02, 1.97, 1.16, 1.86, 3.79 and 1.52 for associated obliterative arterial disease of the lower legs, ischemic heart disease, renal disease, autonomic neuropathy, sensitive and motor neuropathy, diabetic foot and retinal disease, respectively. Of the characteristics at study enrollment patient age, duration of diabetes, renal disease and hypertension were multivariate predictors of the erectile dysfunction 2.8 years later. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of erectile dysfunction in Italian men with diabetes at a mean followup of 2.8 years was 68 cases per 1,000 person-years, more than 2-fold that in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study of the general population. The knowledge of this incidence should promote specific preventive and therapeutic interventions for erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes.

Adult↗

Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: hemodynamic profiles and their correlation with the recovery of erectile function.

PURPOSE: Despite the advent of nerve sparing radical prostatectomy some men experience erectile dysfunction. Many of these men have vasculogenic erectile impairment in the form of arterial insufficiency or venous leakage. Recent data imply that early postoperative injection therapy may decrease the rate of erectile dysfunction. We defined hemodynamic patterns in patients who underwent bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy to assess the chronology of venous leakage development and explore the correlation of hemodynamic profiles with the return of functional erection 12 months postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with excellent preoperative erectile function who underwent bilateral nerve sparing surgery and had no pharmacological support for erectile dysfunction in the initial 12 months after surgery received vascular evaluation at presentation. Vascular evaluation involved cavernosometry or penile ultrasonography. Patients were then interviewed again at least 12 months postoperatively to assess the ability to achieve sexual intercourse. RESULTS: Our study group comprised 96 men with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 54 +/- 12 years who met all inclusion criteria. All patients had pathologically proved organ confined disease. Mean time to the initial postoperative presentation was 6 +/- 5 months. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the time of vascular studies postoperatively, namely less than 4 to 8, 9 to 12 and greater than 12 months. Normal vascular status, arterial insufficiency and venous leakage were diagnosed in 35%, 59% and 26% of the group, respectively. No difference in the incidence of arterial insufficiency was noted in the 4 time groups. Time postoperatively was significantly associated with the incidence of venous leakage (14% at less than 4 months and 35% at between 9 and 12). In regard to the correlation of the vascular diagnosis with the return to functional erection 47% of the normal, 31% of the arteriogenic and 9% of the venous leakage group achieved sexual intercourse 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: These data imply that the longer the duration of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy, the greater the risk of venous leakage. Furthermore, it appears that the prognosis for the return of functional erection is worst when venous leakage is present.

Adolescent↗

Sexual fantasy and activity patterns of males with inhibited sexual desire and males with erectile dysfunction versus normal controls.

The fantasy patterns of patients with sexual difficulties have only recently received attention. Research has shown that females with inhibited sexual desire fantasize less than normal controls during foreplay and coitus, masturbation, and general daydreaming. This study is a continuation of the investigation of sexual fantasy and activity patterns and specific sexual dysfunctions. A fantasy questionnaire was completed by 37 men reporting a satisfying sex life and 35 males who came to a sexual dysfunction clinic complaining of either erectile dysfunction or inhibited sexual desire. This study indicates the frequency of sexual fantasy during foreplay and/or coitus, during general daydreaming and during masturbation is significantly less in the inhibited sexual desire males than in the control group and/or the erectile dysfunction group. The erectile dysfunction group and the control group were virtually identical in their frequency of fantasy during foreplay and/or coitus. The content of fantasies in all three groups is similar. The frequency of fantasy during masturbation was greatest in the erectile dysfunction group. The frequency of masturbation was greatest in the inhibited sexual desire males.

Coitus↗

Titration study of MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erection) in erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: We assessed the erectile responses and adverse reactions to prostaglandin E1 delivered via the medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE) in a titration study to determine optimal dose. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with erectile dysfunction underwent in-office testing with MUSE to determine erectile response. Following thorough instructions, patients were taught how to use MUSE themselves. The titration study started with a dose of 125 micrograms, and increased to 250 micrograms, 500 micrograms, and finally 1,000 micrograms. In patients who had an erectile response, erection scoring, color duplex Doppler study, blood pressure monitoring, recording of subjective complaints, and repeated laboratory examinations were performed to evaluate the positive and adverse effects of MUSE. RESULTS: Forty-three of the 64 patients achieved a maximal erection with MUSE, as shown by systolic peak flow velocities in the deep penile arteries of greater than 27 cm/s on Doppler ultrasonography. One patient was unsatisfied with his erectile response and dropped out of the study. Of the 42 patients who completed the study, most (35) were satisfied with the response achieved at the higher doses of 500 micrograms and 1,000 micrograms. A modified soft rubber band was needed to achieve a satisfactory erectile response in 18 patients. Only four patients experienced serious urethral burning during MUSE application. CONCLUSIONS: MUSE was effective and safe in most patients with erectile dysfunction in this study. For patients not satisfied with the extent of penile rigidity achieved with MUSE, the use of a modified soft rubber band for erectile assistance, as well as a program for improved patient education, may help to achieve a better erectile response and facilitate compliance with treatment regimens at home.

Adult↗

Lack of diagnostic tools to prove erectile dysfunction: consequences for reimbursement?

PURPOSE: Oral medications for treatment of erectile dysfunction may drastically increase health care expenses. Therefore, reimbursement for treatment will be limited in many countries. Proof of erectile dysfunction on an individual basis may be required. We determine whether erectile dysfunction can be proved by pharmacostimulation tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 77 consecutive patients with a median age of 54 years (range 25 to 75) who presented with previously untreated erectile dysfunction. Assessment included patient reported semiquantitative data on sexual erections (rigidity, ability for vaginal intromission, duration), standard clinical and laboratory tests, and intracavernous injection test and color duplex sonography with 10 microg. intracavernous prostaglandin E1. Data were compared on the basis of the most important complaint, namely whether vaginal intromission was impossible, feasible only with manual assistance or possible but not long enough for satisfactory sexual performance. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients 36 (47%) were unable to perform vaginal intromission, 28 (37%) needed manual help and 13 (17%) had erections sufficient for penetration but were not satisfied with sexual performance. Patient reports were reliable as shown by the significant correlation of items (r = 0.77) and significant discriminating power among categories for penetration (analysis of variance p <0.001). In contrast, clinical response to intracavernous pharmacostimulation and flow parameters assessed by color duplex sonography could not discriminate among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction could not be defined by pharmacostimulated erections but relevant erectile dysfunction was honestly reported. New and reliable tests for clinical assessment are required to support the application for reimbursement of treatment expenses for erectile dysfunction.

Adult↗

Sildenafil: a review of its use in erectile dysfunction.

UNLABELLED: Sildenafil is an oral therapy for erectile dysfunction of a broad range of causes. By selectively inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5, it allows corpus cavernosum smooth muscle to relax, potentiating erections during sexual stimulation. Blood pressure is reduced transiently by sildenafil, but more marked hypotension may occur during concurrent administration of sildenafil and organic nitrates; this combination is contraindicated. Sildenafil is rapidly absorbed, with dose-proportional peak plasma concentrations within 1 hour of administration. The elimination half-life is 3 to 5 hours. Dosages usually begin at 50mg taken when needed =1 hour before sexual activity no more than once daily. The maximum dose is 100mg when needed once daily and lower doses (e.g. 25mg) may be used in elderly patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment or receiving cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ritonavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, erythromycin or cimetidine. More than 3000 patients with erectile dysfunction of organic (e.g. diabetes or spinal cord injury), psychogenic or mixed origin received sildenafil 5 to 100mg or placebo in fixed- or titrated-dose trials. Sildenafil was associated with dose-related improvements in the frequency, hardness and duration of erections and in patients' abilities to achieve and maintain erections adequate for successful sexual intercourse. In titrated-dose trials, the most commonly effective doses were 50 or 100mg, although lower doses were effective in some patients. Sildenafil was significantly more effective than placebo in erectile dysfunction of all tested causes. The efficacy of sildenafil was not affected by patient age (> or < or =65 years) or by antihypertensive or antidepressant medications. The drug was effective in patients with severe erectile dysfunction. Efficacy was maintained in long term (1-year) studies. Sildenafil also appears to improve the quality of life of both patients and their sexual partners. Common adverse events associated with sildenafil were transient and mild or moderate and included headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and abnormal vision. Tolerability was maintained in long term (< or =1 year) studies. No serious sildenafil-related adverse events occurred in clinical trials; cardiovascular events seen in postmarketing surveillance generally occurred in patients with other known risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil is an effective oral treatment in men with erectile dysfunction. It was significantly superior to placebo in improving erections and allowing successful penetrative sexual intercourse. Although its place in disease management is still emerging and there are contraindications to its use, if preliminary positive reports are confirmed, sildenafil will be the pre-eminent first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Erectile dysfunction: prevalence, etiology, and major risk factors.

Erectile dysfunction is a multifactorial condition that may include psychological, neurologic, hormonal, vascular, or cavemosal impairment, or a combination of these factors. Major risk factors include aging, depression, and lifestyle. The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction can be an indicator for undiagnosed diseases, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in the United States, affecting approximately 30 million men. Erectile dysfunction in the majority of men remains undiagnosed, and many men who receive treatment discontinue it because of general dissatisfaction with real-life issues that can have an impact on therapeutic success. Early identification, behavior modification, and increased therapeutic options may improve patient outcomes.

Aging↗

New concept parameters of RigiScan in differentiation of vascular erectile dysfunction: is it a useful test?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the value of new nocturnal penile tumescence recording parameters, such as tumescence activity unit and rigidity activity unit values, total erection number and erection times, in differentiating between psychogenic erectile dysfunction and organic erectile dysfunction. We also aimed to determine the role of these parameters in differentiating arterial erectile dysfunction from veno-occlusive dysfunction. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients were allocated into three groups as psychogenic, arterial and venous erectile dysfunction after investigations. Nocturnal penile tumescence recording parameters between psychogenic and vascular erectile dysfunction and arterial and veno-occlusive dysfunction were compared. Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson's chi2 test and correlation coefficient tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Depending on intracavernous injection, penile Doppler ultrasonography and cavernosometry tests, 37 patients (43%) had psychogenic impotence while 50 (57%) had organic pathologies. Of the 50 patients diagnosed with vascular impotence, 29 (48%) had arterial failure and 21 (42%) had veno-occlusive dysfunction. Nocturnal penile tumescence recording revealed psychogenic erectile dysfunction in 34 patients (39%) and vascular erectile dysfunction in 53 patients (61%). Nocturnal penile tumescence recording has been regarded as the gold standard and, in our series, it showed 90.6% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity in differentiating the cause of erectile dysfunction. Values of rigidity activity unit and tumescence activity unit were significantly higher in patients with psychogenic impotence (P < 0.001), when compared with vascular impotence. In patients with a vascular cause, no difference was found between arterial failure and veno-occlusive dysfunction with regard to tip tumescence activity unit, base tumescence activity unit, tip rigidity activity unit, base rigidity activity unit and erection time (P > 0.001). However, patients with arterial failure had less erection than patients with veno-occlusive dysfunction (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: New recording parameters of nocturnal penile tumescence can differentiate organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction more precisely. However, these recording parameters cannot distinguish subgroups with a vascular cause of erectile dysfunction.

Adult↗

Treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with depressive symptoms: results of a placebo-controlled trial with sildenafil citrate.

OBJECTIVE: Depressed men commonly have erectile dysfunction, and men with erectile dysfunction are frequently depressed. Since the etiologic and modulatory relationships between depression and erectile dysfunction have been poorly characterized, a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 20 urologic clinics to evaluate the effects of sildenafil treatment in men with erectile dysfunction and mild-to-moderate comorbid depressive illness. METHOD: Men (N=152, mean age=56 years) with erectile dysfunction for > or =6 months (mean=5.7 years), a DSM-IV diagnosis of depressive disorder not otherwise specified, and a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score > or =12 (mean at baseline=16.9) were randomly assigned to flexible-dose treatment with sildenafil citrate or matching placebo. Interviewer-rated and self-report instruments were used to assess changes in sexual function, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Conservative criteria were used to classify erectile dysfunction treatment response and nonresponse. RESULTS: Sildenafil was strongly associated with erectile dysfunction treatment response. Fifty-eight men met the conservative criteria for response (48 given sildenafil, 10 given placebo), and 78 men did not respond (18 given sildenafil, 60 given placebo). Mean decreases of 10.6 and 2.3 in Hamilton depression scale scores were seen in treatment responders and nonresponders, respectively; 76% of treatment responders showed a > or =50% decline in Hamilton depression scale score versus 14% of nonresponders. Quality of life was similarly improved in treatment responders. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil is efficacious for erectile dysfunction in men with mild-to-moderate depressive illness. Improvement of erectile dysfunction is associated with marked improvement in depressive symptoms and quality of life.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

The incidence and causes of erectile dysfunction after pelvic fractures associated with posterior urethral disruption.

PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction is a common sequel of pelvic fractures, particularly those associated with posterior urethral injury when it can be neurogenic or arteriogenic due to damage to the cavernous nerves or branches of the pudendal arteries. We studied erectile function of patients with posterior urethral injuries due to pelvic fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients referred for posterior urethral reconstruction and strictures due to pelvic fractures were evaluated before reconstruction. All patients underwent nocturnal penile tumescence testing, and if those results were abnormal, penile duplex ultrasound with intracavernous injection was performed. Patients with normal vascular function on duplex ultrasound were diagnosed with neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Those patients with abnormal arterial function on duplex ultrasound underwent arteriography to further define the extent and location of arterial damage. RESULTS: The study included 25 consecutive patients with posterior urethral strictures and a mean age of 28.6 years. Of the patients 18 (72%) had erectile dysfunction as demonstrated by nocturnal penile tumescence and all underwent penile duplex ultrasound. Ultrasound confirmed normal vascular response in 13 of the 18 patients and they were diagnosed with probable neurogenic erectile dysfunction. The remaining 5 patients (28%) with erectile dysfunction had an abnormal arterial response, and significant arterial pathology was confirmed by arteriography. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction is common in patients with pelvic fractures associated with urethral injury. We believe that erectile function should be assessed and documented in such patients before attempting urethroplasty. In the majority of these patients erectile dysfunction is caused by disruption of the cavernous nerves with sparing of arterial inflow.

Adolescent↗

Identifying patients with type 2 diabetes with a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction: the role of the interaction between clinical and psychological factors.

PURPOSE: We estimated the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and identified subgroups of patients in which the interaction among clinical, psychological and sociodemographic characteristics determined an increased likelihood of erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presence of erectile dysfunction was based on patient self-reporting. Clinical information was collected by participating physicians. The severity of depressive symptoms was investigated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. To evaluate interactions among the variables investigated and identify distinct, homogeneous subgroups of patients with different odds ratios for erectile dysfunction a tree growing technique was used. RESULTS: In the 1,460 patients studied the prevalence of severe and mild-moderate erectile dysfunction was 34% and 24%, respectively. While severe erectile dysfunction was mainly related to the severity of diabetes, mild-moderate dysfunction was independent of clinical variables and only associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. The tree growing technique led to the identification of 6 classes characterized by a marked difference in the prevalence of severe erectile dysfunction of between 19% and 65%. Patients on diet alone showed the lowest prevalence of erectile dysfunction and were considered the reference category, while patients treated with insulin who had neuropathy represented the subgroup with the highest likelihood of erectile dysfunction (OR = 7.2, 95% CI 3.9 to 13.2). In patients treated with oral agents the odds ratio for erectile dysfunction was 2.7 (95% CI 1.8 to 3.9) for those with severe depressive symptoms and 1.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.7) for current/former smokers with low depressive symptoms. Patient age, retinopathy and cardiac-cerebrovascular disease were globally predictive variables associated with an increased likelihood of erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data illustrate the interplay of clinical and psychological factors in determining the risk of erectile dysfunction in type 2 diabetes and can help identify those for whom much greater attention is needed to detect erectile problems.

Aged↗

[Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction].

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the frequency of erectile dysfunction in patients submitted to radical prostatectomy due to prostate carcinoma and to the possibility, with appropriate treatment, of restoring adequate erections for a satisfactory sexual activity. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2000, thirty-eight patients with prostate carcinoma have been submitted to radical prostatectomy. According to TNM classification upon diagnosis, thirty-three patients (87%) were stage pT2N0M0 and five patients (13%) stage pT3N0M0. Mean age of patients was 62.4 years (range 55-76). Mean follow-up was two years and seven months. Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction was made from personal history as well as that of the patient plus partner, and from nocturnal penile tumescence evaluation with Rigiscan. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (47%) presented erectile dysfunction as a complication 16 (89%) of whom showed no nocturnal reaction at the Rigiscan test, while in the remaining two (1%), one-two nocturnal erections of less than five minutes were obtained. Of the eighteen patients, 14 (78%) showed a positive response to treatment with intracavernous drug infusion (papaverine+Phentolamine+Alprostadil), whilst only one patient benefited from treatment with oral Sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the high frequency (47%) of erectile dysfunction in patients submitted to radical prostatectomy as well as the need to perform radical nerve-sparing surgery (particularly in the neoplastic forms not involving the prostate capsule) which is useful not only for preserving erectile function but also on account of better response to oral Sildenafil treatment following the use of this technique.

Aged↗

[Transurethral alprostadil (MUSE) in erectile dysfunction].

The ideal therapy for erectile dysfunction should be easy, non invasive, painless, with a high success and a low side effects rate. Alternative methods of delivery drugs to the erectile body, instead of intracavernosal injection of vasoactive drugs such as prostaglandin, have been evaluated. Vasoactive agents can be administered topically into the urethral mucosa for absorption into the corpus spongiosum and transfer into the corpora cavernosa via small communicating veins. We report data from the literature and our experience with MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erection) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Penile pain or discomfort is the common adverse effect reported, while no priapism of fibrotic complication is reported. But local discomfort, limited efficacy, and cost are to be considered.

Administration, Topical↗

Oral phentolamine as treatment for erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: For most patients with erectile dysfunction oral agents are a preferred treatment option. Oral or buccal phentolamine has been shown to produce full erections in impotent subsets of study populations. We evaluate the efficacy of oral phentolamine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a comprehensive evaluation 44 patients with recent onset (less than 3 years) of erectile dysfunction and a high likelihood of organogenic etiology underwent a prospective, double-blind and placebo controlled trial with oral phentolamine after placebo. RESULTS: After placebo 4 of the 44 patients who reported full erections were excluded from study. Of the 40 patients in the double-blind phase full erections were achieved by 2 of 10 with placebo, and 3 of 10 with 20 mg., 5 of 10 with 40 mg. and 4 of 10 with 60 mg. phentolamine. There were no serious complications observed during the study, and only a single minor side effect occurred in 1 patient after 60 mg. phentolamine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that oral phentolamine may be of benefit for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Further studies are required to corroborate our findings.

Administration, Oral↗

Smoking and erectile dysfunction: evidence based analysis.

PURPOSE: We examined available evidence concerning the role of smoking in the development of erectile dysfunction. This task involved a complete review of the smoking literature as it pertained to erectile dysfunction and select endothelial diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We comprehensively reviewed the literature, including PubMed and recent abstract proceedings from national meetings relevant to smoking, erectile dysfunction and endothelial diseases. The quality of the evidence was assessed by methods used to develop clinical practice guidelines. Our review involved an objective evaluation of the basic science literature and clinical studies. When necessary, we examined studies of endothelial diseases other than erectile dysfunction because of obvious gaps in the literature. RESULTS: There are strong parallels and shared risks among smoking, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and erectile dysfunction. Clinical and basic science studies provide strong indirect evidence that smoking may affect penile erection by the impairment of endothelium dependent smooth muscle relaxation. The association of erectile dysfunction with risk factors such as coronary artery disease and hypertension appears to be amplified by cigarette smoking. Smoking may increase the likelihood of moderate or complete erectile dysfunction 2-fold. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in former smokers was no different from that in individuals who had never smoked, implying that smoking cessation may decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction. Case studies and retrospective series have shown an association of smoking with erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence on the association of smoking with erectile dysfunction is not complete insofar as association linking factors are concerned. However, the evidence of such an association is likely due to the consistency of the relationship of smoking and endothelial disease, and the strength of the association of erectile dysfunction with other endothelial diseases.

Animals↗

Prostaglandin E1 versus sex therapy in the management of psychogenic erectile dysfunction.

The treatment for psychogenic erectile dysfunction has been previously managed by non-medical methods consisting of counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist or sex therapist. The success rate for treatment with counseling has not been uniformly successful. This paper compares the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction using standard sex therapy and self-injection therapy using low-dose PGE1. Fifty men with psychogenic impotence were divided into two groups: standard sex therapy for twelve weeks or treatment using low-dose (2.5 - 5.0 microg) of PGE1. The results showed that men treated with low-dose PGE1 had a 47% improvement of obtaining an unaided erection compared to 58% improvement rate with sex therapy. 69% of patients in the PGE1 group were satisfied with their treatment compared to 75% receiving sex therapy. The frequency of intercourse reported in patient diaries for the two groups was similar (20.5 per month for PGE1 vs 20.0 per month for sex therapy. The reported duration of erection by patients receiving PGE1 therapy was longer than that reported by those receiving sex therapy (35 min vs 10 min). The comparison of the cost of treatment of the two treatment groups reveals that the sex therapy is approximately 25% more expensive than the PGE1 treatment. This pilot study demonstrates that the efficacy of PGE1 was numerically, though not statistically, less than sex therapy in the treatment of psychogenic impotence. The cost per positive outcome with PGE1 treatment is lower than that of sex therapy treatment making PGE1 more cost-effective.

Alprostadil↗

Erectile dysfunction risk factors in noninsulin dependent diabetic Saudi patients.

PURPOSE: We assessed the prevalence of and analyzed risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 562 male diabetic Saudi patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for erectile dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function. At the time of screening patients were also interviewed for sociodemographic data, including age, education, occupation, marital status and smoking. Medical history included diabetes, diabetes related complications, risk factors for diabetes and erectile dysfunction, and current medication. RESULTS: Mean age of the study sample was 53.7 years (range 27 to 84). Of the patients 86.1% had various degrees of erectile dysfunction, including mild in 7.7%, moderate in 29.4% and severe in 49.1%. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 25% in patients younger than 50 years, which increased to 75% in those older than 50 years. Of those without erectile dysfunction 70% were younger and 30% were older than 50 years (p = 0.0001). Patients with a history of diabetes of greater than 10 years were 3 times as likely to report erectile dysfunction as those with a history of less than 5 years. Men with poor metabolic control were 12.2 times as likely to report erectile dysfunction as those with good metabolic control. Of diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction 53% had 1 or more diabetic related complications compared with 20.5% with no erectile dysfunction (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction is common in diabetic Saudi men. This study provides a quantitative estimate of the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its main risk factors in diabetic Saudi patients.

Adult↗