Assessing satisfaction in men and their female partners after treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction

A real-world pilot study assessing treatment satisfaction with avanafil in patients with erectile dysfunction

Background

Avanafil is a second-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, and offers a rapid onset of action (15 minutes). Its real-world data, including treatment satisfaction, are still lacking.

Aim

The study sought to investigate the treatment outcomes of avanafil and the factors impacting treatment satisfaction in a real-world setting.

Methods

Between November 2021 and February 2023, erectile dysfunction (ED) patients prescribed avanafil were consecutively enrolled in this phase 4, open-label, cross-sectional, observational study. At each follow-up visit (4-week intervals), participants completed a questionnaire for assessing the use and treatment-emergent adverse events of avanafil, ED severity, and treatment satisfaction.

Outcomes

The outcome measures included the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction.

Results

Among 234 patients enrolled, 112 (47.9%) patients had follow-up visits and answered the questionnaire. Treatment with avanafil significantly improved the mean SHIM total score from 10.2 ± 5.6 at baseline to 17.5 ± 6.2 (P < .001). Of the patients treated with avanafil, 71.4% (n = 80 of 112) reported a >4-point improvement in the SHIM total score, and 33.1% (n = 37 of 112) reported normal erectile function. The proportion of patients satisfied with avanafil treatment (defined as Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction index score ≥60) was 87.5%. Several physical factors (younger age, lower waist circumference, and lower level of low-density lipoprotein), and sexual function factors (shorter duration of ED, higher SHIM total score at baseline, PDE5 inhibitor treatment naive, and acquired premature ejaculation) tended to contribute to satisfaction with avanafil treatment. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 41.1% of patients, and all were mild in severity.

Clinical Implications

This study identifies the factors associated with treatment satisfaction of avanafil, which may ultimately lead to better treatment outcomes.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to provide real-world evidence of avanafil for ED treatment, and validated questionnaires were used to assess erectile function and treatment satisfaction. However, the limitations of this study include single-center observational study design, small sample size, and short-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Avanafil is an effective treatment for ED, and satisfaction rate is high in an outpatient setting. The awareness of identified factors related to patient satisfaction may improve treatment outcomes.

A Systematic Review of Partner Satisfaction After Penile Prosthesis with Special Emphasis on LGBTQ + Populations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite the current surgical advances and patients' satisfactions after penile prosthesis (PP) implantation, there has been paucity of data on reported partner satisfaction and their quality-of-life (QoL). Our objective was to summarize the current literature on partner satisfaction for both heterosexual and non-heterosexual populations, respectively. We specifically conducted a systematic review according to the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, and stratified studies into three tiers by methodological rigor.

RECENT FINDINGS

After an initial search of 172 articles, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria for the final review: 30 for heterosexual partner satisfaction, and 3 for LGBTQ patient satisfaction were included due to lack of published literature on partner satisfaction for LGBTQ patients. For heterosexual partner satisfaction, 10 studies were classified as Tier 1, 11 studies were classified as Tier 2, and 9 studies were classified as Tier 3. From an initial search of 13 records, three studies consisting of 272 patients met the inclusion criteria for our LGBTQ review. Across all the tiers, studies noted satisfaction rates between 50 and 90% and improved satisfaction and sexual QoL metrics compared to pre-surgery rates. That said, partner satisfaction rates were also consistently lower than patient satisfaction rates. Although the range of evidence quality varies, the available literature suggests significant improvements in and relatively high rates of partner satisfaction after PP implantation. Given the diversity of study designs and widespread use of non-validated or non-specific questionnaires in the current literature, future research should focus on prospective studies and/or data collection using validated, PP-specific questionnaires.

Etiology of Erectile Dysfunction and Duration of Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Penile Prosthesis: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Inadequate treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) subjects them and their partners to lost quality of life, yet little is known about the cause and duration of symptoms that lead to penile prosthesis (PP) placement.

AIM

We performed a systematic review addressing cause and duration of symptoms before implantation.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for articles published between January 1, 1965-July 20, 2016, reporting on PP for ED. Studies were assessed for quality. Body of evidence strength was categorized in accordance to American Urological Association (AUA) categorization: grade A (well-conducted, highly-generalizable randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or exceptionally strong observational studies with consistent findings), grade B (RCTs with some weaknesses of procedure/generalizability or moderately strong observational studies with consistent findings), or grade C (RCTs with serious deficiencies of procedure/generalizability, have small sample sizes, or other problems that potentially confound interpretation). This review was performed as part of the 2018 AUA ED Clinical Guidelines, with the support of the AUA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cause and duration of symptoms before PP were assessed.

RESULTS

We reviewed 113 articles constituting 150 study arms. All studies were observational (body of evidence strength grade C). Of these arms, only 19 reported on ED duration. Mean duration was 56 months for men undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement (38.7 months for those after prostatectomy) and 72 months for those undergoing malleable penile prosthesis placement. Diabetic patients undergoing IPP had mean ED duration of 75 months. Among arms reporting on IPPs, causes of ED were vascular disease (47 arms; range 2.9-62.0%; mean 31.9%), diabetes (61 arms; range 12.8-77.8%; mean 28.3%), and pelvic surgery or trauma (49 arms; range 0.5-49.7%; mean 20.3%).

CONCLUSION

Nearly all men undergoing PP have ED of organic causes, whereas diabetic patients and patients receiving malleable penile prosthesis have the longest ED duration. Factors driving this relative delay require additional investigation. Post-prostatectomy IPP placement is offered relatively late, on average. Bajic P, Mahon J, Faraday M, et al. Etiology of Erectile Dysfunction and Duration of Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Penile Prosthesis: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:333-337.

Degree of Planning of Sexual Intercourse Among Men From China, Japan, and Taiwan Taking Medication for Erectile Dysfunction: Findings of an Observational, Cross-Sectional Survey

INTRODUCTION

Management of erectile dysfunction (ED) is beset with assumptions around spontaneity of sexual intercourse, requiring candor between the physician and patient if appropriate treatment is to be implemented.

AIM

To evaluate the degree to which men who take ED medications plan for and have sex.

METHODS

Men from China, Japan, and Taiwan aged 40-70 years who had taken ED medications within the past 3 months were invited to participate anonymously in an online, self-administered survey that enquired about frequency and advance planning of sex, time between taking ED medication and intercourse, and treatment satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Frequency of planning of sexual intercourse, planning and ED medication dosing interval, and frequency of ED medication use.

RESULTS

Data from 604 respondents (mean age 50.8 years) from China (n = 254), Japan (n = 250), and Taiwan (n = 100) were collected. Men used ED medications a median of ≤4 times per month in all 3 territories. 76% who used ED medication during the past 3 months planned for sex on specific occasions, with 59% and 52% agreeing that they plan for sex on specific days of the week and times of the day, respectively. Most commonly, men planned for sex up to several hours to a day beforehand, with 94% taking ED medication within 4 hours of sex. Satisfaction with ED medication was generally high and related to erection rigidity, speed of onset, and safety.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the degree to which individuals with ED plan for sex may have important implications for the appropriate prescription of ED medication. The high degree of planning around sexual activities exhibited by men taking ED medication suggests there is a need for appropriate counseling to ensure that treatment is aligned with patient behavior. Jiann B-P, Nakajima K, Dighe S, et al. Degree of planning of sexual intercourse among men from China, Japan, and Taiwan taking medication for erectile dysfunction: Findings of an observational, cross-sectional survey. Sex Med 2019;7:54-60.

Combination therapy for erectile dysfunction involving a PDE5 inhibitor and alprostadil

The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are the first-line treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), with alprostadil considered a second-line choice. Consideration has to be given to patients who fail these treatments and what their options are. This review evaluates the data on the combination of a PDE5I with alprostadil in patients who have previously failed therapy with either drug. A PubMed search was conducted and identified nine publications relating to combination treatment with alprostadil as intracavernosal, intraurethral or topical application. The results indicate that with all three formulations the combination therapy resulted in an improved outcome compared with either of the drugs as monotherapy. This was demonstrated by the increased total International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores as well as IIEF erectile function domain scores. This finding was also valid for patients with post-prostatectomy ED. The associated side effects of the combined treatment did not result in treatment discontinuation. These findings suggest that combination therapy with a PDE5I and alprostadil might be considered a treatment option in patients who have previously had a poor response to either drug.

Drug-related problems in patients with erectile dysfunctions and multiple comorbidities

This study was conducted in a tertiary medical center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 200 erectile dysfunction (ED) patients with 499 cases who had received pharmacological treatments for their ED participated in this study. Types, causes and factors associated with drug-related problems (DRPs) in ED patients with multiple comorbidities were assessed. A total of 244 DRPs with an average of 1.2±2.1 DRPs per patient were identified. Drug interaction contributed the most to DRPs occurrence. There was a significant higher risk of DRPs in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract infection and elderly and end-stage renal disease. Early identification of types of DRPs and factors associated may enhance their prevention and management.

Assessing satisfaction in men with premature ejaculation after dapoxetine treatment in real-world practice

INTRODUCTION

There are limited data on the treatment satisfaction with dapoxetine in patients with premature ejaculation (PE).

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the treatment satisfaction, effectiveness and safety of dapoxetine for PE patients.

METHODS

Subjects received dapoxetine (30 mg or 60 mg) alone or in combination with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, if concurrent with erectile dysfunction for more than 4 weeks in clinical practice. Main outcome measures include Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) and Clinical Global Impression of Satisfaction (CGIS).

RESULTS

From March 2014 to January 2015, a total of 286 PE patients received dapoxetine treatment in this study, with 137 (47.9%) patients diagnosed with lifelong PE and 149 (52.1%) patients diagnosed with acquired PE. At the final follow-up visit, the mean intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (an increase of 3.4 min) and mean score of Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (a decrease of -5.0) improved significantly from baseline, and the satisfaction rate and response rate to dapoxetine treatment were 45.0% and 74.6%, respectively. Satisfaction with dapoxetine treatment was highly correlated with treatment response, and might be improved by scheduled follow-up visits and escalation to a higher dose. Subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) reported a lower treatment response than those without DM. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAEs) occurred in 47.7% of patients, but no serious TEAEs were reported.

CONCLUSION

Our real-world data highlight the effectiveness of dapoxetine and the importance of follow-up visits for the treatment of PE. Half of PE patients were not satisfied with dapoxetine treatment, which reflects an unmet need of present approach or an unrealistic expectation from PE patients.