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Erectile dysfunction and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use: associations with sexual activities, function and satisfaction in a population sample of older men

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 27, pages 146–151 (2015)Cite this article

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the association between sexual activities, problems and satisfaction, and ED and PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use. A nationally representative sample of men (n=2612) aged 51–87 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing completed an in-depth Sexual Relationships and Activities Questionnaire. Associations between ED and/or PDE5i use and sexual outcomes were explored using logistic regression models adjusted for age, health and lifestyle factors. PDE5i use in the preceding 3 months was reported by a total of 191 (7%) men, whereas 542 (21%) reported ED but no PDE5i use (untreated ED). Compared with men without ED, PDE5i users were more likely to be sexually active and report more frequent sexual intercourse. Men with untreated ED reported the lowest frequency of sexual activities. Compared with men without ED, both PDE5i users and those with untreated ED were more likely to report being concerned about their level of sexual desire, frequency of sexual activities, erectile function, waking erections and orgasmic experience. PDE5i users were also more concerned about and dissatisfied with their overall sex life than men without ED. This population-based study shows that while PDE5i use is associated with improved sexual functioning, this is not equally reflected in decreased levels of concern and dissatisfaction with their overall sexual health. Clinicians should be aware of this disparity between functional gains and continuing sexual concerns and dissatisfaction, and, where appropriate, offer psychosexual counselling as an adjunct to PDE5i medication.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the study participants. DML is a Research into Ageing Fellow. This study was funded by the National Institute on Aging (grants 2RO1AG7644-01A1 and 2RO1AG017644) and a consortium of UK Government departments coordinated by the Office for National Statistics. JN and NP were supported by the fRaill project (grant MRC G1001375/1) as part of the cross-research council Life Long Health and Wellbeing Programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research, School of Social Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    D M Lee & J Nazroo

  2. Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Salford, UK

    N Pendleton

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  1. D M Lee
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Correspondence to D M Lee.

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Lee, D., Nazroo, J. & Pendleton, N. Erectile dysfunction and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use: associations with sexual activities, function and satisfaction in a population sample of older men. Int J Impot Res 27, 146–151 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2015.4

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