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

Associations between organic erectile dysfunction and the risk of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in men

BACKGROUND

Whether erectile dysfunction (ED) leads to considerable stress for affected men remains unclear? In this study, we investigated whether organic ED (OED) is associated with increased risks of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

METHODS

A representative subset of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database was employed for this study. Enrollees with OED from the years 2000 to 2018 were selected. To ensure comparability between the case and control groups, we implemented 1:1 propensity score matching based on age, index year, comorbidities, and medications.

RESULTS

The case group included 20,808 patients with OED, while the control group consisted of 20,808 individuals without OED. The OED group exhibited a significantly elevated risk of HZ (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.74) and PHN (aHR = 1.56) compared to the non-OED group.

CONCLUSIONS

Men experiencing OED seem to face elevated risks of HZ and PHN compared to those without OED. ED may serve as a warning sign for individuals at HZ risk.

Spontaneous erectile function recovery among young men with erectile dysfunction taking tadalafil 5 mg once a day

BACKGROUND

Daily (once a day [OaD]) tadalafil intake is a valuable option for men favoring spontaneous over scheduled sexual intercourse.

AIM

The study sought to assess the rate of and the clinical factors associated with spontaneous, medication-free erectile function (EF) recovery after discontinuation of tadalafil 5 mg OaD in a cohort of young men seeking first medical help for psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) as their primary complaint.

METHODS

Data from 96 consecutive patients <50 years of age seeking first medical help for ED and prescribed tadalafil 5 mg OaD were analyzed. Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and underwent baseline penile color Doppler ultrasound. Follow-up involved clinical assessments or phone interviews. Spontaneous medication-free EF recovery was defined as IIEF EF domain score >22 after tadalafil discontinuation, prompting cessation of follow-up. Descriptive statistics compared tadalafil OaD responders and nonresponders. Cox regression hazard models explored the association between baseline characteristics and EF recovery risk post-drug discontinuation. Kaplan-Meier analyses estimated EF recovery probability over time.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was EF recovery after discontinuation of tadalafil 5 mg OaD.

RESULTS

Overall, median age was 39 (interquartile range [IQR], 32-45) years. Of all, 82 (85.4%) patients achieved EF recovery after tadalafil OaD discontinuation, while 14 (14.6%) patients were identified as nonresponders. Median tadalafil usage time (from beginning to discontinuation) was 3 (IQR, 2-11) months. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was headache in 9 (9.4%) patients. Nonresponders were older (43 [IQR, 42-45] years vs 38 [IQR, 31-44] years; P = .03), had higher body mass index (25.5 [IQR, 23.4-29.9] kg/m2 vs 23.6 [IQR, 21.8-25.9] kg/m2; P = .04), and reported lower baseline IIEF EF domain scores (12 [IQR, 7-15] vs 15 [IQR, 10-22]; P = .02) than responders. Nonresponders and responders did not differ in terms of baseline ED severity, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking, alcohol consumption, regular physical exercise, and color Doppler ultrasound parameters. Upon Cox regression analysis, younger age (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.99; P = .01) was associated to EF recovery, after adjusting for baseline ED severity, body mass index, smoking, and Charlson comorbidity index ≥1. The Kaplan-Meier analysis displays the probability of EF recovery over time, indicating rates of 43%, 60%, and 72% at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up intervals, respectively.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Tadalafil 5 mg OaD is an effective short-term treatment for psychogenic ED, allowing its discontinuation after achieving a normal medication-free EF.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The main limitations are the limited number of participants and the potential neglect of confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Almost 1 out of 2 young men with primary psychogenic ED who were prescribed with tadalafil 5 mg OaD recovered spontaneous medication-free EF after 3 months of treatment. Overall, the younger the patient was, the higher the chance there was of spontaneous EF recovery after drug discontinuation.

Relationship between dietary niacin intake and erectile dysfunction: a population-based study

Existing research on the precise link between dietary niacin intake and erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between dietary niacin intake and the risk of ED. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCSs) were used to examine the relationship between dietary niacin intake and ED. Subgroup interaction analysis was performed to assess the impact of different subgroups on the study outcomes. In addition, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to adjust for potential confounding factors, ensuring the reliability of the results. The analyzed data were collected from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the USA. The study encompassed 3184 adults, among whom 863 participants were identified as having ED. Following adjustments for potential confounders, the findings revealed that higher niacin intake, specifically in the highest tertile, was associated with a decreased risk of ED compared to that in the lowest tertile, showing an odds ratio (OR) of 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.85). Analysis of dose-response curves illustrated a negative correlation between dietary niacin intake and the risk of ED. Subgroup and interaction analyses fortified the consistency of these results. Furthermore, PSM corroborated the validity of the findings. This study suggests an inverse association between dietary niacin intake and the risk of ED. However, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship remains elusive, and defining the safe threshold of niacin intake to prevent ED requires further investigation.

Beyond the prescription: trends and challenges in erectile dysfunction medications among young adult men

We sought to assess erectile dysfunction (ED) medication use among males aged 18-40. Between June and July 2023, a cross-sectional survey on Qualtrics (Provo, UT) was disseminated via Research Match. Among 210 respondents, ED prevalence was 57.1% with 39.0% reporting prior ED medication use. Black or African American race (OR = 3.54, p < 0.001), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR = 3.32, p = 0.01), and Medicare or Medicaid insurance status (OR = 6.07, p < 0.001) were associated with increased medication utilization. Income >$200,000 was associated with decreased medication usage (OR 0.23, p = 0.04). ED severity significantly correlated with higher medication usage. Primary care providers were the most common source of acquisition (47.6%), followed by online direct to consumer (DTC) platforms (31.7%) and personal connections (19.5%). Privacy (n = 51, 62.2%) and cost (n = 45, 54.9%) were key considerations in obtaining medications. Despite 73.2% of individuals receiving counseling regarding risks/benefits and 84.1% receiving instructions for proper use, only 28.0% correctly identified essential aspects of proper/appropriate use. Overall, we found a high ED prevalence and medication utilization rate. The preference for privacy in procuring medications suggests ongoing stigma around men's sexual health. Despite extensive counseling, a significant knowledge gap remains indicating a pressing need for enhanced patient education.

Unrecognised orgasmic phase disorders in men presenting with new-onset erectile dysfunction-Findings from a real-life, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Orgasmic phase disorders in men worsen the burden of erectile dysfunction on sexual satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of and predictors of unreported orgasmic phase disorder in a cohort of men looking for their first urological assessment for new-onset erectile dysfunction in a real-life setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 1107 heterosexual, sexually active men consecutively assessed for new-onset erectile dysfunction were analysed. Throughout a comprehensive medical and sexual history, all patients were asked to self-report any orgasmic phase disorder and to complete the International Index of Erectile Function and the Beck's Inventory for Depression (depressive symptoms scored as Beck's Inventory for Depression ≥11). Men self-reporting orgasmic phase disorder during the interview were excluded from further analyses. The median value of the International Index of Erectile Function-orgasmic function domain was arbitrarily used to categorise men with (International Index of Erectile Function-orgasmic function ≤5) and without unreported orgasmic phase disorder (International Index of Erectile Function-orgasmic function >5). Circulating hormones were measured in every patient. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to test the association between clinical variables and unreported orgasmic phase disorder.

RESULTS

Of 1098 patients with non-self-reporting orgasmic phase disorder, 314 (28.6%) had International Index of Erectile Function-orgasmic function ≤5. Patients with erectile dysfunction + unreported orgasmic phase disorder were older (median [interquartile range]: 58 [44-66] years vs. 51 [40-60] years), had higher body mass index [25.8 (23.7-28.1) kg/m2 vs. 25.2 (23.3-27.4) kg/m2 ], higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (36 [11.5%] vs. 45 [5.7%]) and lower International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function scores (6 [2-10] vs. 18 [11-24]) than men with erectile dysfunction-only (all p < 0.05). Patients with erectile dysfunction + unreported orgasmic phase disorder depicted higher rates of severe erectile dysfunction (75.5% vs. 25%) and Beck's Inventory for Depression ≥11 (22.6% vs. 17.9%) (all p < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, older age (odds ratio: 1.02) and lower International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function scores (odds ratio: 0.83) were independently associated with unreported orgasmic phase disorder (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one in three men seeking first medical help for erectile dysfunction depicted criteria suggestive of unreported orgasmic phase disorder. Men with unreported orgasmic phase disorder were older and had higher rates of severe erectile dysfunction and concomitant depressive symptoms. These real-life findings outline the clinical relevance of a comprehensive investigation of concomitant sexual dysfunction in men only complaining of erectile dysfunction to more effectively tailor patient management.

Prevalence and predictors of unrecognised low sexual desire/interest in men with new onset erectile dysfunction: findings from a cross-sectional, real-life study

The interrelationship between male sexual desire and erectile dysfunction (ED) has been scantly investigated. Thus, we aimed at investigating the prevalence of and the predictors of unrecognised low sexual desire/interest (uLSD/I) in a cohort of men with new onset ED. Complete data from 1587 men seeking for first medical help for ED between 2010 and 2021 were analysed. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). At entrance, all patients were asked to self-report low sexual desire/interest and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (depressive symptoms scored as BDI ≥ 11). The IIEF-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain was categorised according to Cappelleri's criteria. The median value of the IIEF-sexual desire domain (IIEF-SD) was used to dichotomise men with uLSD/I along with ED (IIEF-SD < 7) vs. ED-only (IIEF-SD ≥ 7). Circulating hormones were measured in every patient. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone (tT) <3.0 ng/mL. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical variables and uLSD/I. Of 1197 patients not self-reporting LSD/I, 369 (30.8%) had IIEF-SD < 7. Patients with ED + uLSD/I were older [median (IQR) 54(41-63) vs. 49(36-59) years], had lower IIEF-EF [10.5(5-22) vs. 22(11-28)] but higher BDI [6(3-12) vs. 4(1-8)] and lower tT [4.3(3.2-5.7) vs. 4.8(3.2-6.3) ng/mL] compared to ED-only men (all p < 0.05). Overall, ED + uLSD/I men had higher rate of severe ED (49.9% vs. 23.9%), and of BDI ≥ 11 (30.6% vs. 18.2%) (all p < 0.05). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, lower tT (OR: 0.82), lower IIEF-EF scores (OR:0.95) and BDI ≥ 11 (OR:2.51) were independently associated with ED + uLSD/I, after accounting for age (all p < 0.05). Almost 30% of men seeking first medical help for ED-only had also uLSD/I. Men with both conditions were older, had higher rates of severe ED and more depressive symptoms. A detailed investigation of sexual desire should be always included in men self-complaining only of ED.

Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors - Cost-benefit considerations in Swiss men

Background: Current evidence indicates that erectile dysfunction (ED) is an independent risk factor for future cardiovascular events. This study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of screening and subsequent preventive treatment for cardiovascular risk factors among men newly diagnosed with ED from the Swiss healthcare system perspective. Methods: Based on known data on ED and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence and incidence costs and effects of a screening intervention for cardiovascular risk including corresponding cardiovascular prevention in men with ED were calculated for the Swiss population over a period of 10 years. Results: Screening and cardiovascular prevention over a period of 10 years in Swiss men with ED of all seriousness degrees, moderate and severe ED only, or severe ED only can probably avoid 41,564, 35,627, or 21,206 acute CVD events, respectively. Number needed to screen (NNS) to prevent one acute CVD event is 30, 23, and 10, respectively. Costs for the screening intervention are expected to be covered at the seventh, the fifth, and the first year, respectively. Conclusion: Screening and intervention for cardiovascular risk factors in men suffering from ED is a cost-effective tool not only to strengthen prevention and early detection of cardiovascular diseases but also to avoid future cardiovascular events.

Association between sleep quality and nocturnal erection monitor by RigiScan in erectile dysfunction patients: a prospective study using fitbit charge 2

BACKGROUND

Few studies were conducted to explore the association between sleep quality and nocturnal erection. Here, we intended to explore the association between sleep quality and nocturnal erection monitor when conducting nocturnal erection monitor. All erectile dysfunction (ED) patients underwent sleep monitors using Fitbit Charge 2™ (Fitbit Inc.) and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) monitors using RigiScan® (GOTOP medical, Inc., USA) for two nights. Subsequently, the patients were divided into two groups: Group A included patients who experienced effective erections only on the second night, while Group B included patients who had effective erections on both nights. To explore the associations between NPTR parameters and sleep parameters, a comparative analysis was performed between Group A and Group B for both nights.

RESULTS

Finally, our study included 103 participants, with 47 patients in Group A and 56 patients in Group B. Notably, the Group A patients showed significant improvements in NPTR parameters on the second night compared to the first night. Conversely, the NPTR parameters on Group B of the second night did not demonstrate a superior outcome when compared to the second night of Group A. Interestingly, it was found that only the disparities in sleep parameters accounted for the variation in NPTR parameters between the two groups on the first night. After correlation and ROC analysis, we identified the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time and wake after sleep onset (WASO) time monitoring by the Fitbit Charge 2 as the primary parameters for predicting abnormal NPTR results in the first night.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, our study strongly suggests a close association between sleep parameters and NPTR parameters. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating sleep monitoring alongside nocturnal erection monitoring to enhance the reliability of the NPTR results.

Association between polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2001-2004

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential across a wide range of disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of PUFA intake on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

The study included a total of 3730 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2004. Univariate analysis, multivariate regression analysis, subgroup analysis and machine learning were utilized to explore the relationship of variables to ED. Dose response curves were constructed to observe the linear or nonlinear relationship between PUFA intake and the prevalence of ED. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used for sensitivity analysis. Finally, the potential mechanistic link between PUFA intake and ED was explored.

RESULTS

Through univariate and multivariate regression analysis results before and after PSM and XGBoost algorithm model results, arachidonic acid (AA) was chosen as the main research object. The consumption of AA was found to be associated with a decreased prevalence of ED under the fully adjusted model [OR = 0.33 (0.20, 0.56), P < 0.001]. The interaction between AA and education was found in the subgroup analysis. Dose-response curves indicated a linear negative correlation between AA intake and the prevalence of ED. The above results were confirmed in the data analysis after 1:1 PSM. In addition, AA intake was associated with a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers and homocysteine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that AA intake is negatively correlated with the prevalence of ED. Further, anti-inflammatory and anti-endothelial damage may play a role in this.

Is There a Correlation between Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Improvement in Erectile Dysfunction?

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the focus on respiratory disorders has increased, notably on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), an inflammatory condition of the upper airway that can significantly impact one's quality of life. Interestingly, CRS has emerged as a potential comorbidity in erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aims to assess the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS on sexual function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective study of patients who visited their clinics for chronic rhinosinusitis between June 2018 and June 2022. The study involved 53 patients aged between 40 and 70 years who were treated for CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation Score (NOSE score) and the 5th International Index of Erectile Function Score (IIEF-5 score) to evaluate potential improvements in sexual function following endoscopic sinus surgery.

RESULTS

Before surgery, the average NOSE score was 72.6, which decreased to 24.9 postoperatively. The average preoperative IIEF-5 score was 16.35, while the postoperative average increased to 19.52. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in erectile function for penetration (p-value = 0.024) and overall satisfaction after intercourse (p-value < 0.001) regarding the degree of nasal obstruction.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the potential benefits of treating chronic obstructive upper airway diseases such as sinusitis in improving the sexual outcomes of patients clinically diagnosed with erectile dysfunction.

Electroacupuncture for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study exploring the alteration of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation

Background

Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (PED) can seriously affect emotional and marital wellbeing. Electroacupuncture (EA) seems an effective method for treating PED. However, the central mechanisms underlying PED and the beneficial effects of EA treatment are unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the central mechanisms of PED and to examine the impact of EA on erectile function.

Methods

We recruited 14 PED patients and 14 matched normal controls (NCs). PED patients underwent twice rs-fMRI scans, respectively, pre- and post-treatment. The NCs only completed one rs-fMRI scan. We used the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) to compare spontaneous neural activity between the PED patients and NCs, and to examine the differences between the pre- and post-EA treatment scans in the PED patients.

Results

Scores on the IIEF5, QEQ, and SEAR improved after EA treatment. Compared with the NCs, PED patients showed increased fALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right supplementary motor area (SMA), and left middle occipital gyrus. Most of these regions are closely implicated in sexual inhibition. The results of the correlation analysis results indicated that the fALFF of the right PCC was negatively correlated with IIEF5 scores. After treatment, fALFF values were substantially lower in the left triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus, right DLPFC, right SMA, bilateral PCC and the orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus, and higher in the left middle temporal gyrus and left caudate nucleus. These regions mainly belong to the default mode network (DMN), executive control network and primary sensory motor network. The results of the correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the changes in IIEF5 score and changes in the fALFF value in the right PCC after EA treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study highlights that PED patients have abnormal patterns of activity in the right PCC, right DLPFC, and right SMA mainly involved in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network which could lead to a higher levels of sexual inhibition. EA might regulate the process of sexual inhibition to improve erection function in PED patients probably by modulating spontaneous brain activity in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network.