Misdiagnosis And Undertreatment Of Erectile Dysfunction In The Portuguese Primary Health Care

PDE5is-naïve versus non-naïve patients at first investigation for erectile dysfunction-findings from a long-term, real-life cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) represent a first-line pharmacological therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). Men could obtain PDE5is for recreational purposes without any proper medical prescription.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze clinical characteristics of patients who already used any PDE5i for ED without previous formal medical prescription.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 2012 heterosexual, sexually active men seeking first medical help for ED at our outpatient clinic between 2005 and 2022 were analyzed. All patients were assessed with a comprehensive sexual and medical history and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Thereof, according to exposure to any PDE5i before their first visit, patients were subdivided into: PDE5i-naïve and non-PDE5i-naïve patients. Descriptive statistics tested the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of both groups. A logistic regression model predicted the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve at the baseline. Linear regression analysis (LRA) estimated the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve versus non-PDE5i-naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Lastly, local polynomial regression models graphically explored the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve at the first clinical assessment over the analyzed timeframe, and the sensitivity analyses tested the probability of being PDE5i-naïve at baseline.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,491 (70.9%) patients were PDE5i-naïve and 611 (29.1%) were non-PDE5i-naïve at the first assessment. PDE5is-naïve patients were younger, with a lower prevalence of CCI ≥ 1 and of normal erectile function (EF) than non-PDE5i-naïve men (all p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression found that patients with lower BMI (OR: 0.99), higher IIEF-EF scores (OR: 1.02), lower rates of severe ED (OR: 0.94), and who had been assessed earlier throughout the study timeframe (OR: 1.27) were less likely to be PDE5i-naïve at baseline. Univariate LRA revealed that younger patients (Coeff: -0.02), with lower CCI (Coeff: -0.29) and higher alcohol intake per week (Coeff: 0.52) were more likely to be PDE5i-naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Moreover, for the same IIEF-EF score, patients with higher CCI had lower probability of being PDE5i-naïve.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-prescription of PDE5is is an attitude presents in the general population, despite this phenomenon has decreased overtime. Current data outline the importance to keep promoting educational campaigns to promote PDE5is as effective and safe medicinal products, while avoiding their improper use.

Quality and benefits of the erectile dysfunction information on websites, social-media, and applications

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to obtain and maintain an erection that enables satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED prevalence vary across age groups, affecting approximately 1-9% of men under 40, 2-9% of those aged 40-59, and increasing to 20-40% for those aged 60-69. However, it remains a frequently untreated or insufficiently treated condition. Especially due to the feeling of discomfort and guilt, patients often avoid consulting their physicians; in this context, digital innovation could potentially play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of ED. This narrative review depicts the ongoing status of digital innovations in ED focusing on websites, social media platforms and mobile health applications (MHA). We examined Google, social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok), and the recently developed MHA apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Websites provide readily available but sometimes difficult to understand information, while social media is easy to understand and act on. MHA apps are the most complete and trustworthy tool for self-care management. In conclusion, digital innovations are a continuously growing source of information and therapeutic tools.

Management of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: The perspective of Spanish urologists. Results of the PANDORA Project (Part II)

INTRODUCTION

ED and PE are the most common male sexual dysfunctions, although they remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.

AIM

To ascertain how a group of Spanish urologists currently address ED and PE.

METHODS

Descriptive study based on a self-designed questionnaire about the clinical practice in ED and PE upon diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, patient-physician relationship and the role of the patient's partner.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 188 experienced urologists. Most patients went to the urologist's office without a previous diagnosis (92% of the urologists found <10 PE-diagnosed patients in public settings). The diagnosis of ED and/or PE was mainly carried out by the current urologist and not by another professional, particularly in private centres as opposed to public centres (78.8% vs 57.0% for ED; 82.0% vs 62.6% for PE). Most urologists believed that these disorders are underdiagnosed and deemed them as general health issues. 38% of urologists acknowledged using validated questionnaires to diagnose ED. PE was considered a subjective problem rather than a true disease and the use of PRO-based diagnosis of PE was not generally accepted (14%). Treatment options of both disorders were chosen as expected. Referral to the andrologist is usually scheduled in moderate-to-severe PE or severe ED. The cohort seemed to be mostly neutral (50%-75% for ED and 40%-55% for PE) regarding patient reluctancy to talk about their sexual problem. Patients' partners play an important role in helping men seeking treatment.

CONCLUSION

Urologists should show more proactivity during anamnesis and routine visits to improve management of ED and PD.

An observational, national and multicentric study to describe the detection, diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation from the patient's perspective

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To examine the opinions, attitudes and perceptions of patients regarding the diagnosis and treatment protocols of erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) and their interaction with the urology specialists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Observational, national and multicentric study based on a self-designed online questionnaire in which ED and PE patients described their perception of ED and PE at diagnosis and during treatment and monitoring, the patient-physician relationship and the role of the patient's partner in the course of the disease.

RESULTS

306 ED and 70 PE participants were recruited. After the occurrence of the first symptoms, the time elapsed until the patient decided to go to the doctor was 28.6 months for PE and 14.0 months for ED (p<0.001). ED patients saw physicians more frequently (especially those aged between 60 and 69 years: 60.7%, p<0.001) than PE patients (52.1% vs 36.8%, respectively; p<0.001) and discussed this problem with their partner more (34.0% vs 22.8%, p<0.001). These disorders were mainly diagnosed at the urologist's office (ED: 74.8% vs 42.5%; PE: 75.7% vs 34.3%; diagnosis vs detection). One third of all participants reported that the sexual problem was not the main reason for the visit. The time elapsed between the first consultation for related symptoms and therapy was 8.7 months (oral drugs) and 7.6 months (dapoxetine) for ED and PE, respectively. ED patients and their partners felt particularly better once treatment had started (p<0.001). PE patients presented the highest degree of sexual dissatisfaction (78%). 50% of the patients agreed with the statement that initiating a discussion about sexual concerns was regarded as taboo and most of them did not say that their partner had encouraged them to seek medical advice.

CONCLUSION

A concerted effort is called for to expand ED and PE patients' proactivity in taking care of their own and their partner's sexual health. Current therapies would appear to have a benefit in couples' sexual relationships.

Spanish Cross-Cultural Validation of the Electronic Version of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5)

The IIEF-5 questionnaire is a validated scale used as a diagnostic tool in erectile dysfunction (ED). This simplified version includes five items that focus on erectile function and satisfaction during sexual intercourse; it has favourable properties for detecting the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction The main objective of this study was to make a cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish of the IIEF-5 scale and to evaluate its psychometric properties of validity, reliability, and feasibility in the Spanish population. Validation of the IIEF-5 included: (i) professional translation of the scale; (ii) scientific evaluation of the translation; (iii) professional retranslation; (iv) assessment of 10 individuals to test correct comprehension and idiomatic adequacy; (v) validation of the IIEF-5 by an online survey. The study sample consisted of 100 participants, who received the online form either directly or through other participants who distributed it. Participants obtained a mean score of 22.3 (SD 2.7), implying normal erectile function. However, 23 results of mild dysfunction (n = 23) and 2 of mild to moderate dysfunction (5.1%) were identified. A Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.75 was obtained for the total of the final questionnaire, indicating high reliability. Validity analysis had a value of 0.784 (>0.5) and was therefore considered appropriate. The IIEF-5 scale is a reliable tool to test ED, and its Spanish version is satisfactorily understood by patients.

Prevalence, Comorbidities, and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Prospective Real-World Study in the United Kingdom

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of erectile dysfunction (ED) burden could improve health outcomes associated with underlying cardiometabolic and psychological causes of ED. This study provided updated real-world evidence (RWE) on ED epidemiology and quantified healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden among men with ED in the UK.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, prospective real-world evidence study was conducted via a self-reported Internet survey in 2018 in the UK general population. Prevalence of ED was estimated; HCRU and HRQoL were compared between men with ED versus without ED via bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 12,490 men included, 41.5% reported ED; 7.5% of men reported severe ED; ED was most prevalent in Wales (44.3%). Men with ED were older (54.1 ± 14.5 vs. 46.8 ± 14.1 years) and often reported modifiable lifestyle risk factors, including smoking (32.8% vs. 26.3%), drinking alcohol (76.1% vs. 71.0%), not exercising (21.7% vs. 19.4%), and being overweight or obese (64.9% vs. 54.6%). Additionally, men with ED more often reported ≥1 comorbid chronic conditions (73.7% vs. 47.7%), including hypertension (31.8% vs. 16.3%), hyperlipidemia (27.6% vs. 14.0%), depression (24.3% vs. 14.6%), anxiety (23.3% vs. 16.6%), and diabetes (15.9% vs. 6.1%) versus men without ED (all, p < 0.001). Nearly half of men with ED (45.3%) were not undergoing treatment for cardiometabolic or psychological comorbidities. Furthermore, men with ED more often reported ≥1 visit to physicians/nurse practitioners and pharmacists in the past year and had significantly lower SEAR total and domain scores than men without ED (all, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ED was highly prevalent in the UK affecting over a quarter of younger men. Cardiometabolic and psychological conditions were common among men with ED and often remained untreated. Higher proportions of modifiable lifestyle risk factors observed among men with ED present an opportunity for healthcare providers to help mitigate the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and incidence of ED.

Quality of Life, Sexual Functioning and Chronic Disease: A Comparative Study with Portuguese Women without Chronic Disease, and Women with Diabetes Type 1 and 2, and Arterial Hypertension

Aims: Previous research has focused on the impact of chronic diseases on men's sexual functioning and quality of life; however, little is known about the association between chronic disease and women's sexual functioning and quality of life. Current study aimed at exploring the differences in quality of life and sexual functioning between women without chronic disease, and women with type 1 diabetes, with type 2 diabetes, and with arterial hypertension. Methods: A web-survey was completed by 313 Portuguese women (167 without chronic disease, 48 with type 1 diabetes, 48 with type 2 diabetes, and 50 with arterial hypertension). Results: Women without chronic disease scored significantly higher than women with chronic disease in quality of life and sexual functioning, adjusting for age. Conclusions: Quality of life and sexual functioning in women with chronic diseases is impaired.

General practitioners' self-reported competence in the management of sexual health issues - a web-based questionnaire study from Finland

Objective Although sexual problems are common, they are rarely brought up in appointments with general practitioners (GPs). We aimed to assess the barriers that hinder GPs from bringing up sexual health issues and to evaluate the need for education on sexual medicine. Design A web-based questionnaire was used. Setting Four fields were included: A) the self-reported competence in discussing sexual health and treating patients with these issues, B) the barriers to bringing up patients' sexual health problems, C) the source of education on sexual medicine and D) the need for education on sexual medicine. Subjects A random sample of 1000 GPs in Finland (a response rate of 43.5%, n = 402). Main outcome measures GPs' self-assessed competence in discussing and treating sexual health issues, related barriers to bringing up the topic and the reported need for education. Results The main reasons reported for not bringing up sexual health issues were shortness of the appointment time (85.6%), a lack of knowledge (83.6%) and a lack of experience with sexual medicine (81.8%). The male GPs reported better competence in discussing the issues and treating male patients, whereas the female GPs reported better competence in discussing the issues with female patients. No differences emerged between genders regarding treating female patients. Nearly 90% of the GPs expressed needing more education about sexual medicine. Conclusions Although the GPs reported good competence in discussing sexual health issues with their patients, several barriers to bringing up sexual health issues emerged. Continuing education was desired and could lessen these barriers.Key pointsOnly a few studies have evaluated the competence of general practitioners (GPs) in addressing sexual health issues with their patients.In our study, the GPs reported a high competence in discussing patients' sexual health issues regardless of the patient's gender.However, several barriers to bringing up sexual health issues in appointments emerged.A majority of the GPs expressed a need for continuing education about sexual medicine.

Opinions, Attitudes, and Perceptions in Relation to Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation in the Undiagnosed Spanish Male Population. Results of the PANDORA Project

BACKGROUND

Approximately 43% of Spanish men report experiencing premature ejaculation (PE) at some point in their lives and 12.1% suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), of whom only 16.5% have seen a doctor. Despite this, ED and PE remain undiagnosed among a supposedly healthy segment of the population.

AIM

To assess the general knowledge of a representative population of healthy Spanish males of the symptoms, treatment, and expectations related to ED and PE.

METHODS

This was a descriptive study based on an online questionnaire in which 2,515 males aged 25-75 years with no history of ED and/or PE presented their perception of aspects related to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations in ED and PE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The study provided an evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and underdiagnosis of ED and/or PE in healthy males and the approach taken by urology specialists and other disciplines.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 2,515 healthy males, including over 80% of those who had completed secondary or higher education. 60% of the sample had never seen a urologist and 59% and 62% of the participating men responded correctly to the statements about PE and ED, respectively. Their lack of knowledge of the therapeutic alternatives was clear (74% and 76% of the panel were unaware of the existence of effective treatments for ED and PE, respectively). Despite the initiative shown by some participants in seeking information about each condition (10.3% for ED; 16.7% for PE), only 4.7% of them had been questioned about ED by a medical practitioner (1.9% for PE). The underdiagnosis rate stood at 3.5% for ED (5.6% participants >65 years) and at about 10% for PE.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

These results will represent a point of departure for establishing some recommendations to improve the detection and treatment of these disorders.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This is the first study of its kind in Spain to analyze the underdiagnosis of ED and/or PE inferred from data reported by a population of healthy males. Screening for ED was performed with a validated questionnaire. However, the rest of the research was conducted using adaptations of validated questionnaires or a self-designed questionnaire based on and in consultation with a group of experienced andrologists.

CONCLUSION

People need to have greater knowledge of both the conditions and the related false myths to make sure that they are familiar with the existence of drug treatments and socio-sanitary interventions. Primary care physicians and urologists should also be more proactive in routine visits in order to achieve better management of ED and PE. Prieto-Castro R, Puigvert-Martínez AM, Artigas-Feliu R, et al. Opinions, Attitudes, and Perceptions in Relation to Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation in the Undiagnosed Spanish Male Population. Results of the PANDORA Project. J Sex Med 2020;17:1495-1508.