Is erectile dysfunction a reliable indicator of general health status in men?

The Association Between Insomnia, Insomnia Medications, and Erectile Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Sleep quality and duration have been investigated for their association with health. Insomnia affects up to one-third of adults and may impact male erectile function. In addition, medical treatments for insomnia (many of which are sedatives) may also affect erectile quality.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients diagnosed with and treated for insomnia.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We utilized the IBM MarketScan (2007-2016) Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases (v 2.0). Age- and enrollment-matched controls were selected among patients without insomnia diagnosis or treatment.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of incident ED (ie, diagnosis alone, or diagnosis and treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors [PDE5i], intracavernous injection (ICI)/urethral suppositories, and penile prosthesis) after the diagnosis or treatment of insomnia while adjusting for relevant comorbidities.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In total, 539 109 men with an insomnia diagnosis were identified. Of these men, 356 575 were also medically treated for insomnia. The mean (±standard deviation) follow-up times for patients diagnosed with insomnia and those diagnosed with and treated for insomnia were 2.8 ± 1.6 and 3.1 ± 1.8 yr, respectively. Men with insomnia were more commonly smokers and had a higher number of office visits and comorbidities than controls (p < 0.001). On an adjusted analysis, both untreated and treated insomnia were associated with increased risks of ED diagnosis (hazard ratio or HR [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 1.58 [1.54-1.62] and 1.66 [1.64-1.69], respectively; p < 0.001). Similarly, men with treated insomnia had a higher risk of having ED treated with PDE5i (HR [95% CI]: 1.52 [1.49-1.55]; p < 0.001) and ICI (HR [95% CI]: 1.32 [1.14-1.54]; p < 0.001) when compared with controls. A limitation of this study was that a lack of granularity regarding patient clinical characteristics (eg, severity of disease, laboratory data, etc.) is inherent to insurance claims data. In addition, the follow-up was limited and may affect associations at longer time points.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current report, a consistent association between insomnia and ED diagnosis was identified. Men diagnosed with insomnia only were found to have a higher risk of developing ED. Moreover, men with pharmacological insomnia treatments were more often prescribed treatments for ED. Given the prevalence of insomnia, future studies are warranted to delineate the association of insomnia and its treatment with erectile function.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Insomnia affects up to one-third of adults and impact male erectile function. Men only diagnosed with insomnia were found to have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Moreover, men with pharmacological insomnia treatments were more often prescribed treatments for ED.

Use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors is not associated with ocular adverse events

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use has been linked to a number of ocular side effects, such as serous retinal detachment (SRD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), and ischemic optic neuropathy (ION).

AIM

We investigated the risk for SRD, RVO, and ION in patients using PDE5is.

METHODS

We utilized the IBM MarketScan (2007-2021) Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases (version 2.0) for this analysis. To estimate overall events risk, Cox proportional hazard models were applied to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) for erectile dysfunction (ED) diagnosis and the different treatments, adjusting for region, median age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea. Additionally, the same analyses were performed to calculate the HRs for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosis and the different treatments.

OUTCOMES

HRs for SRD, RVO, and ION.

RESULTS

In total, 1 938 262 men with an ED diagnosis were observed during the study period. Among them, 615 838 (31.8%) were treated with PDE5is. In total, 2 175 439 men with a BPH diagnosis were observed during the study period. Among them, 175 725 (8.1%) were treated with PDE5is. On adjusted Cox regression analysis, PDE5i use was not associated with SRD, RVO, ION, and any ocular event when compared with ED diagnosis and other ED treatments. Importantly, as the intensity of ED treatment increased, so did the risk of ocular events. In addition, PDE5i use was not associated with SRD and ION when compared with BPH diagnosis and other BPH treatments. In contrast, in patients with BPH, PDE5i use was associated with RVO (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.23). Importantly, patients with BPH receiving other medical treatment (ie, 5a reductase/alpha blocker; HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06-1.16) or surgical treatment (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.19) had a higher risk of RVO.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

We did not observe any consistent association between PDE5i use and any ocular adverse events (SRD, RVO, and ION).

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Because we did not have access to the patients' medical records, we recorded outcome definitions using ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients using PDE5is for ED or BPH indications did not have an increased risk of ocular events, even when compared with other treatments for ED or BPH.

Prevalence, severity, and correlates of erectile dysfunction among male adult patients of a primary care clinic in North-West Nigeria

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem that profoundly affects intimate relationships. It is poorly studied in North-western Nigeria.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, severity and predictors of ED among adult males attending a primary care clinic in Northwest Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-section of 392 males (aged ≥25 years) were randomly selected from attendees of a family medicine clinic in Kano, Nigeria. Information regarding their biodata, lifestyle factors, and clinical characteristics was obtained using a structured questionnaire. The International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (version 5) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 assessed ED and depression, respectively.

Results

The participants' mean age was 45±14.1 years (range: 26-86 years). Most participants were married (88.8%), had one sexual partner (71.7%), had tertiary education (44.4%) and were traders (49.7%). The prevalence of ED was 52.3% (205/392) [comprising mild (36.0%), mild-to-moderate (14.3%), moderate (1.5%) and severe (0.5%)]. Age, body mass index (BMI), marital status, number of sexual partners, monthly income, type of exercise, hypertension history, blood pressure reading, antihypertensive and peptic ulcer drug use were associated with ED (P<0.05). However, age (≥50years) (OR= 1.91, 95%CI [1.28-2.85], P=0.001) and overweight/obesity (OR =1.81, 95%CI [1.18-2.77], P=0.007) were the predictors of ED in this population.

Conclusion

ED prevalence was high, although mainly of the mild form. Age (≥50years) and overweight/obesity predicted ED. Hence, the need for early screening, objective grading of ED, identification of modifiable risk factors (e.g., overweight/obesity) and commencing proper treatment and prevention in this setting.

Productivity Index in Clinical Andrology: Research Directions on High-Impact Topics and in Particular on Male Infertility

PURPOSE

Andrological diseases have an important social and economic impact as they cause a serious impairment of the quality of life of the affected patient. Epidemiologically, the impact of these disorders is progressively increasing, as demonstrated by the ever-growing prevalence of male infertility. This evidence justifies the rapid development of research in andrology that the scientific community has undertaken in recent decades. This study aims to evaluate the productivity index of the main andrological topics studied and reported in the literature.

METHODS

The total number of published articles was extracted from the Scopus database by entering the following keywords and mesh terms: "Male Infertility", "Erectile Dysfunction", "Premature Ejaculation", "Male Hypogonadism", "Testicular Tumors", "Prostate Cancer", "Prostatic hyperplasia", "Prostate hyperplasia", "Prostatitis", "Prostate inflammation", and "Male Accessory Gland Infections". Furthermore, a list of the top 50 researchers sorted by productivity was created for each topic. For male infertility, a further search was performed by combining the search term "male infertility" with the above-mentioned terms. Thus, a list of the top 30 authors in order of productivity was also extracted. The graphs were created using Excel.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

As could be expected, we observed that prostate cancer and male infertility were the two most investigated topics, followed by benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction, whose prevalence is set to increase given the progressive aging of the population. Less investigated is the inflammation of the accessory sexual glands. In conclusion, this study provides a ranking of the main andrological topics investigated in the literature, also presenting the top list of the most productive authors for each one.

The Role of the "Anti-Inflammatory" Couple for the Management of Hyperuricemia With Deposition

INTRODUCTION

Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory crystal arthropathy worldwide and is a chronic disease requiring strict, lifelong adherence to drug therapy and healthy lifestyles. Gout has a heavy burden on the patient's sexual health, owing to the associated inflammatory status, long-term complications, and chronic pain; however, the effects of gout also extend to the partner's sexual health.

AIMS

We aimed to investigate how the presence of a partner could influence the complex interaction between risk factors for sexual dysfunctions in gout in order to define novel strategies to improve sexual health and disease management.

METHODS

Clinical and experimental data on the role of the couple in chronic diseases, as well as on the association between gout and sexual health, were searched through Pubmed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evidence from studies describing how the presence of a couple and leveraging sexual health can improve management and clinical outcomes for chronic diseases.

RESULTS

Treatment adherence can improve the sexual health of gout patients and their partners; likewise, by leveraging sexual health, it would be possible to promote better health-seeking behaviors, ultimately improving gout management.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Promoting awareness of the sexual health relevance of gout can potentially be a pivotal strategy to improve disease management and prevent the progression of sexual dysfunctions from subclinical to overt forms.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Identifying a bidirectional association between sexual health and disease management paves the way for improved disease control and can potentially prevent the development of sexual dysfunctions in couples affected by gout. However, the relevance of the couple has not been adequately addressed in gout management, and most evidence comes from other chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

Improving gout management results in better sexual health, and vice-versa promoting better sexual health can improve disease control for gout. The presence of a partner improves the behavioral well-being of gout patients, with beneficial effects on both sexual health and gout management. Sansone A, Reisman Y, Meto S, et al. The Role of the "Anti-Inflammatory" Couple for the Management of Hyperuricemia With Deposition. Sex Med 2022;10:100562.

Primary organic versus primary psychogenic erectile dysfunction: findings from a real-life cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction aetiology (ED) has been historically identified as organic, psychogenic, and mixed.

OBJECTIVES

To stratify and compare a cohort of patients seeking medical help for ED for the first time according to the newly proposed binary classification of the EAU guidelines: "primary organic" versus "primary psychogenic".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Complete data from 2009 consecutive patients presenting for ED were analysed. All patients completed the IIEF at baseline. According to the presence of ED-related risk factors indexed by the EAU guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive health, patients were categorised as having primary organic (≥1 risk factor) or primary psychogenic (0 risk factors) ED. Descriptive statistics compared the two groups. Linear regression analysis tested the association between the number of risk factors and ED severity. Locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) method graphically explored the relationship between the number of risk factors for ED and the IIEF domains scores.

RESULTS

Median (IQR) age at first presentation was 50 (39-61) years. Of all, 1632 (86.2%) and 377 (13.8%) were identified as having primary organic and primary psychogenic ED, respectively. Overall, 1488 (74.1%) patients were >40 years of age; in this subgroup, most frequent risk factors were age, hypertension (29%), active smoking (42%), and alcohol intake (25.1%). Median (IQR) IIEF-EF score was 15 (7-22). Primary organic ED patients depicted lower IIEF-SD and -OF scores (all p  ≤ 0.02), whilst groups did not differ in terms of IIEF-EF, -IS and -OS scores.

DISCUSSION

One out of nine patients complaining of ED depict criteria for primary psychogenic ED. Erectile function severity could be as severe as patients with organic ED. The single-centre-based cross-sectional nature of the study, raising the possibility of selection biases is our main limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

One out of nine patients presenting for ED depict criteria suggestive for primary psychogenic ED in the real-life setting. Patients with primary psychogenic and primary organic ED have comparable ED severity, thus outlining the importance of a comprehensive and tailored management work-up in every patient seeking medical help for the first time. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Comorbidity, lifestyle factors, and sexual satisfaction among Chinese cancer survivors

Objectives

This study aims to explore the prevalence of sexual satisfaction among Chinese cancer survivors, and explore the association of sexual satisfaction with comorbidity and lifestyle factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed among 3996 Chinese cancer survivors recruited at Shanghai Cancer Rehabilitation Club from March to April 2017. Data were collected through self‐reported questionnaires. The questionnaire includes information about demographic, cancer characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction was measured by a single‐item scale. The distribution of sexual satisfaction among different demographic and cancer characteristics was compared using the chi‐squared test. Logistic regression models were conducted to assess the effects of lifestyle factors, comorbidities on sexual satisfaction after adjustment for demographic and cancer characteristics.

Results

More than 40% of male and female cancer survivors reported no sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors is significantly associated with both the number and the type of comorbidities. Heart disease, musculoskeletal system disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are the comorbidities significantly associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors. Lifestyle factors other than smoking, including exercise or fitness, drinking alcohol, and eating fruits and vegetables are significantly correlated with sexual satisfaction. Besides, all of the above associations show gender differences. In addition, demographic characteristics include sex, age, marital status, living status, and average monthly income are also significantly associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors.

Conclusion

Comorbidity and lifestyle factors are associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors, and the associations show gender differences. Improving the lifestyles of cancer survivors, and controlling and reducing their comorbidities are important for improving their sexual satisfaction.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of sexual satisfaction among Chinese cancer survivors, and explore the association of sexual satisfaction with comorbidity and lifestyle factors. Comorbidity and lifestyle factors are associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors, and the associations show gender differences. Improving the lifestyles of cancer survivors, and controlling and reducing their comorbidities are important for improving their sexual satisfaction.

Erectile dysfunction iceberg in an urology outpatient clinic: How can we encourage our patients to be more forthcoming?

The study's aim was to document the rates of declared and hidden erectile dysfunction (ED) at urology outpatient clinic while attempting to develop a method to encourage patients to talk about ED. A total of 506 patients, all of whom underwent the same procedure by the same clinician with a standard algorithm, were prospectively evaluated. The patients who declared ED as their primary or secondary symptom were grouped as 'very early treatment seekers' (VETS) and 'early treatment seekers' (ETS) respectively. The patients who hid their ED until directly questioned and the patients whose ED was diagnosed with an IIEF-5 questionnaire were grouped as 'late treatment seekers' (LTS) and 'very late treatment seekers' (VLTS) respectively. The total number of ED was 291 (57.5%), comprised of 54 (18.6%) patients in the VETS, 48 (16.5%) in the ETS, 143 (49.1%) in the LTS and 46 (15.8%) in the VLTS groups. The rate of severe ED was significantly higher in the VETS group, whereas the rate of mild ED was significantly higher in the VLTS group (p < .001). Most of the patients would not seek help for their ED until the clinician directly or indirectly questioned them. Simple manipulations uncovered the hidden ED patients.

Is the History of Erectile Dysfunction a Reliable Risk Factor for New Onset Acute Myocardial Infarction? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs as a manifestation of coronary atherosclerotic disease. The occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED) following AMI is well documented and this association and pathophysiology is often interrelated. Few studies have objectively assessed the diagnostic value of ED as a risk factor for AMI, in general. In this review, we aimed to better outline the diagnostic predictability of ED as a precursor for 'first/new onset' AMI. This review was performed using selective search terms, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched (September 2018). Selected studies were further assessed for relevance and quality (Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool-Oxford). Four studies [573 participants; mean 143 (SD ± 76.3604) and median 141 participants] were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis of the studies resulted in a pooled sensitivity of 51.36% (95% CI: 47.37-55.33%). For the single study which reported true negative and false positive cases, a specificity of 76.53% (95% CI: 68.57-83.00%) was calculated. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that a history of ED should be used as a risk factor for new onset AMI.

Three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis: Ectopic reservoir placement

INTRODUCTION

The complications associated to the placement of the reservoir are infrequent but potentially serious. Therefore, technical alternatives have been developed for the performance of the procedure in different locations (ectopic). The aim of this review is to revise the evidence available on the different options for the ectopic placement of the reservoir.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Narrative review based on a bibliographical search limited to PubMed- indexed relevant manuscripts, in Spanish or English, for the period 2000-2019, using «penile prosthesis», «ectopic reservoir», radical prostatectomy», «radical cystectomy», «pelvic radiotherapy», and «renal transplantation» as key words. Non original articles and reviews were not considered eligible. A total of 11 manuscripts were included.

RESULTS

Pelvic alterations after surgery and/or radiotherapy increase the difficulty in the placement of the prosthesis reservoir. In order to minimize the risk of complications, different modifications have been performed on the devices, and technical innovations have been developed for the submuscular placement of the reservoir. The available evidence regarding the functionality and complications of these techniques is limited to single institution, low volume, and retrospective series with short follow-up periods. The functionality seems to be adequate using the adapted devices. The complications are infrequent and mild in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the available evidence is still limited, the ectopic placement of the reservoir may be considered a safe, effective, and reproducible technique. In addition, it may result particularly useful in cases of altered pelvic anatomy.

Sexual life and medication taking behaviours in young men: An online survey of 92 620 respondents in China

OBJECTIVES

To assess sexual life and medication taking behaviours in young Chinese men.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted across China between January 2017 and April 2017. Among the participants, men aged 19-40 years were included in the analysis. The respondents filled in the online questionnaire assessing sexual life and medication taking behaviours by themselves, including general information, cognition of erectile dysfunction (ED) and treatment-related questions. Erection hardness score (EHS) was used to measure the erection hardness status.

RESULTS

Among the young respondents, 20.54% had grade I-II EHS, 58.14% searched the internet for online ED-related information, 26.49% took an ED medication and 50.89% took an ED medication without the advice of a physician or pharmacist. The respondents who took medication had less sexual intercourse per week (P < .001) and worse EHS (P < .001), and were more willing to seek information from physicians, pharmacists, friends and relatives instead of online sources (P < .001), compared with those not taking medication. The most common comorbidities in patients with grade I-II EHS were hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), prostate diseases and diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

About 20% of young Chinese men needed further assessment for ED. The majority of respondents obtained ED-related information by online search and took an ED medication without professional advice. These data could help clinicians understand the current status of sexual life and medication taking behaviours of young Chinese men.

The association of erectile dysfunction with productivity and absenteeism in eight countries globally

AIM

To evaluate the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) with work productivity loss, activity impairment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study used data from adult men (40-70 years old; N = 52 697) from the 2015 and 2016 National Health and Wellness Surveys. ED assessment was based on self-reported difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection in the past 6 months. Impairment to work and non-work activities and HRQoL were assessed for each country and compared against the US. Multivariable models tested interactions between ED status and country for each outcome.

RESULTS

Overall ED prevalence was reported as 49.7%, with Italy reporting the highest rate (54.7%). Men with ED reported significantly higher absenteeism (7.1% vs 3.2%), presenteeism (22.5% vs 10.1%), overall work productivity impairment (24.8% vs 11.2%), activity impairment (28.6% vs 14.5%) and significantly lower Mental Component Summary scores (MCS; 46.7 vs 51.2), Physical Component Summary scores (PCS; 48.3 vs 53.0), and health state utilities (SF-6D: 0.693 vs 0.778; all, P < 0.001) than men with no ED. After adjusting for covariates, compared with the US, the association of ED status with overall work productivity impairment was greatest in the UK (26% higher; P < 0.05), and with MCS, PCS and SF-6D scores was greatest in China (-2.67, -1.58, and -0.043 points, respectively; all, P < 0.001). Greater ED severity was significantly associated with higher impairment to work and non-work activities and lower HRQoL, with China reporting the highest burden, compared with the US (most P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ED poses a significant burden with respect to work productivity and HRQoL, with greater severity associated with worse outcomes. Better management and earlier detection may help reduce this burden, especially in countries reporting a strong association between ED and poor economic and health outcomes.

Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results

INTRODUCTION

Most of conclusions on the relationship between age and reproductive health in aging men relied on cross-sectional data.

AIM

To better characterize the natural degradation trajectory of reproductive health of aging men based on longitudinal data.

METHODS

A community cohort study was performed in randomly selected men 40 to 80 years old, initiated in 2012 and followed up in 2014 and 2016. Participants were investigated by face-to-face structured interview, including demographic information and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scales.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The differences among the 3 assessments of IIEF-5 and AMS were analyzed, and progression trajectories were traced.

RESULTS

The high degree of variability on AMS and IIEF-5 was evident across individual subjects, as was the variability within individuals. The average IIEF-5 score of 248 subjects decreased from 16.9 to 14.1 during the 4 years, and the total AMS score increased from 22.6-27.0 (P < .001). Longitudinal data, both of individuals and of groups, showed the more rapid increase or decrease on AMS or IIEF-5 scores over 4 years in the 61-70 age group than in other age groups.

CLINICAL IMPLICATION

The evidence of the greatest changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61-70 age group prompts the importance of early intervention to postpone the degradation of reproductive health.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

Compared with cross-sectional data, longitudinal data can provide a more natural progression trajectory of reproductive health of aging male individuals. The low follow-up rate might affect the parameter estimation to some extent.

CONCLUSION

Cohort data over 4 years' follow-up showed more abrupt changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61-70 age group than in other age groups. Zheng J-B, Liang Q-F, Li J-H, et al. Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results. J Sex Med 2019;16:1567-1573.

No Causal Link between Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibition and Melanoma

Purpose

To examine the association between phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor use and melanoma by 1) conducting a systematic review of observational studies; and 2) determining if low PDE5A gene expression in human melanoma correlated with decreased overall survival.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search of observational studies examining the association between PDE5 inhibitor use and melanoma was performed through ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, and seven eligible studies were identified. PDE5A gene expression was analyzed with RNA sequencing data from 471 human melanoma samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Results

Four studies reported a positive association between PDE5 inhibitor use and melanoma, and three studies found no correlation. RNA sequencing data analysis revealed that under-expression of the PDE5A gene did not impact clinical outcomes in melanoma.

Conclusions

There is currently no evidence to suggest that PDE5 inhibition in patients causes increased risk for melanoma. The few observational studies that demonstrated a positive association between PDE5 inhibitor use and melanoma often failed to account for major confounders. Nonetheless, the substantial evidence implicating PDE5 inhibition in the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated melanoma pathway warrants further investigation in the clinical setting.

A panoramic view of medicinal plants traditionally applied for impotence and erectile dysfunction in Persian medicine

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence are common male sexual problems, and they are highly prevalent in male adults with a history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus. This review aims to bring together the standpoints of the early Persian physicians on these disorders and to identify the respective medication in comparison with conventional contemporary medicine. The main medical and pharmaceutical manuscripts of traditional Persian medicine (TPM) are from 9th-18th century AD. Besides the medieval findings, the current knowledge on ED and impotence, and the related effects of the cited medicinal herbs were studied. In the medieval and traditional literature, male potency is called bāh. According to the TPM approaches, the first step in the mitigation of impotence focuses on the treatment of the main body organs including the heart, brain, and liver. The TPM approaches for diagnosis and treatment include the evaluation of the quality of semen, sexual habit, and quality of urine. The treatment strategies in TPM involve lifestyle modification and prescription of natural medicaments. Many medicinal herbs have been traditionally used for the mitigation of impotency. There could be numerous possibilities for bringing out new natural medicaments with aphrodisiac effects supported by the early medical literature.

Unhealthy Behaviors Among Canadian Men Are Predictors of Comorbidities: Implications for Clinical Practice

Men's poor health behaviors are an increasingly prevalent issue with long-term consequences. This study broadly samples Canadian men to obtain information regarding health behaviors as a predictor of downstream medical comorbidities. A survey of Canadian men included questions regarding demographics, comorbidities, and health behaviors (smoking and alcohol consumption, sleep and exercise behaviors, and dietary habits). Health behaviors were classified as either healthy or unhealthy based upon previous studies and questionnaire thresholds. Multivariate regression was performed to determine predictors for medical comorbidities. The 2,000 participants were aged 19-94 (median 48, interquartile range 34-60). Approximately half (47.4%) were regular smokers, 38.7% overused alcohol, 53.9% reported unhealthy sleep, 48.9% had low levels of exercise, and 61.8% had unhealthy diets. On multivariate analysis, regular smoking predicted heart disease (OR 2.08, p < .01), elevated cholesterol (OR 1.35, p = .02), type 2 diabetes (OR 1.57, p = .02), osteoarthritis (OR 1.43, p = .04), and depression (OR 1.62, p < .01). Alcohol overuse predicted hypertension (OR 1.40, p < .01) and protected against type 2 diabetes (OR 0.61, p < .01). Unhealthy sleep predicted hypertension (OR 1.46, p < .01), erectile dysfunction (OR 1.50, p = .04), and depression (OR 1.87, p < .01). Low levels of exercise predicted hypertension (OR 1.30, p = .03) and elevated cholesterol (OR 1.27, p = .05). Finally, unhealthy diet predicted depression (OR 1.65, p < .01). This study confirms the association of poor health behaviors and comorbidities common to middle-aged and older men. The results emphasize the potential scope of targeted gender-sensitized public awareness campaigns and interventions to reduce common male disease, morbidity, and mortality.

Finasteride and Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Finasteride is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male androgenetic alopecia (MAA). Five-alpha reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs) could induce male sexual dysfunction due to their effects on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. There is evidence suggesting that 5α-RIs may independently increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, many investigators believe that side effects of 5α-RIs will disappear with continuous treatment. Considerable controversy exists regarding the severity and persistence of side effects of finasteride on ED. The aim of this review was to summarize current research studies on finasteride associated with ED. The search strategy used each term of finasteride and ED against PubMed database to identify related studies. ED data reported from available trials for finasteride were summarized and reviewed. Although there is not enough evidence to prove the relationship between finasteride and ED, most studies in this review found that finasteride for BPH was correlated with ED. However, most studies included in this review revealed that finasteride for MAA was not correlated with ED. On the other hand, some studies reported side effects of finasteride associated with sexual dysfunction, including ED, male infertility, ejaculation problem, and loss of libido, even in MAA patients. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further determine the mechanism and effects of finasteride on ED. However, physicians should discuss with their patients possible long-term effects of finasteride on sexual function, although we do not have evidence showing that adverse events of sexual dysfunction are absolutely associated with 5α-RIs.

Erectile dysfunction and risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

PURPOSE

Studies on the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) with cardiovascular or all-cause mortality have yielded conflicting findings. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the association of ED with cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the general population.

METHODS

Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for prospective studies that evaluated the association of ED with cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the general population up to 15 December, 2017. The overall combined risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled for the men with or without ED.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies involving 111,440 participants were included in the meta-analysis. When compared to the men with or without ED, the overall pooled RR was 1.24 (95% CI 1.11-1.39) for all-cause mortality and 1.11 (95% CI 0.92-1.35) for cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analyses indicated that only men with severe ED significantly increased all-cause mortality risk (RR 1.58; 95% CI 1.37-1.82), but not in the mild (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.93-1.24) ED and the moderate (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.00-1.35) ED.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that severe ED is significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality in the general population. However, the association of ED with cardiovascular mortality should be further investigated.

Sexual dysfunction and male infertility

Infertility affects up to 12% of all men, and sexual dysfunction occurs frequently in men of reproductive age, causing infertility in some instances. In infertile men, hypoactive sexual desire and lack of sexual satisfaction are the most prevalent types of sexual dysfunction, ranging from 8.9% to 68.7%. Erectile dysfunction and/or premature ejaculation, evaluated with validated tools, have a prevalence of one in six infertile men, and orgasmic dysfunction has a prevalence of one in ten infertile men. In addition, infertile men can experience a heavy psychological burden. Infertility and its associated psychological concerns can underlie sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, general health perturbations can lead to male infertility and/or sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction and male infertility are considered proxies for general health, the former underlying cardiovascular disorders and the latter cancerous and noncancerous conditions. The concept that erectile dysfunction in infertile men might be an early marker of poor general health is emerging. Finally, medications used for general health problems can cause sperm abnormalities and sexual dysfunction. The treatment of some causes of male infertility might improve semen quality and reverse infertility-related sexual dysfunction. In infertile men, an investigation of sexual, general, and psychological health status is advisable to improve reproductive problems and general health.

The Patient's Comorbidity Burden Correlates with the Erectile Dysfunction Severity

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone levels, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study on patients referred to the andrology unit in 7 Spanish centers. The ED was diagnosed and graded using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score. Total testosterone, the prevalence of each comorbidity, and the CCI were compared between patients with different grades of ED. Besides, the correlation between total testosterone and the CCI score, the influence of each comorbidity, and the ED severity on the CCI was assessed in a multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The study included 430 men with a mean age of 61 years. The mean CCI was 3.5, and mean total testosterone 15.2 nmol/L; 389 (91%) subjects had some grade of ED: 97 (23%) mild, 149 (35%) mild-to-moderate, 86 (20%) moderate, and 57 (13%) severe. The increase in ED severity was significantly associated with a decrease in total testosterone (P=.002), and an increase in the CCI score (P<.001). Testosterone levels were significantly lower in patients with obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia (P<.05). However, only the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was significantly associated with the severity of ED. The multivariate analysis including variables related to all assessed comorbidities, total testosterone levels, and the DE severity significantly predicted the CCI score (P<.001, R²=.426). The severity of ED significantly contributed to this model (P=.011), but total testosterone did not (P=.204).

CONCLUSIONS

The CCI is significantly associated with the ED severity, but it shows a weak correlation with the testosterone levels.

Association of psychological factors, patients' knowledge, and management among patients with erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common health problems in men. ED can significantly affect a man's psychological well-being and overall health.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association of psychological factors, patients' knowledge, and management among ED patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 93 patients with an age range from 31 to 81 years who have undergone treatment for ED were included in this study.

RESULTS

It was found that the feeling of blame (P=0.001), guilt (P=0.001), anger or bitterness (P=0.001), depression (P=0.001), feeling like a failure (P=0.001), and the feeling of letting down a partner during intercourse (P=0.001) were significantly associated with ED. Age was also found to be significantly associated with patients' psychological scale (P=0.004). In addition, the majority of patients in this study practice the right method of administration of ED therapy. However, no significant correlation was found between patients' knowledge of ED therapy and demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that ED does affect psychological well-being of people. In addition, patient's knowledge about ED and its management is also crucial in ensuring that the patient achieves optimal therapeutic outcomes from ED therapy.

Relationship Between Ischemic Heart Disease and Sexual Satisfaction

AIM

Ischemic heart disease is a life-threatening condition. Considerable doubts exist over the effects of this disease on patients' sexual activity and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ischemic heart disease and sexual satisfaction.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study, the convenience sample of 150 patients exposure with ischemic heart disease and 150 people without exposure it was drawn from Shahid Beheshti hospital, Kashan, Iran. Sampling was performed from March to September 2014. We employed the Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire for gathering the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square, t-test and linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The means of sexual satisfaction in patients exposure with ischemic heart disease and among the subjects without exposure it were 101.47±13.42 and 100.91±16.52, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding sexual satisfaction. However, sexual satisfaction was significantly correlated with gender and the use of cardiac medications (P value<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The level of sexual satisfaction in patients with exposure ischemic heart disease is similar to the people without exposure it. Moreover, the men and the patients who do not receive cardiac medications have higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Nurses who are providing care to patients with ischemic heart disease need to pay closer attention to patient education about sexual issues.