Assessment And Treatment Of Erectile Function

Main Category: Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Men's health
Article Date: 19 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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BERLIN, GERMANY (UroToday.com) - After reviewing the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), Dr. Matthews emphasized the importance of a detailed history, physical examination and laboratory testing in the man complaining of ED.

In 2006 it was estimated that 1 in 5 men reported ED. Men in the US reported a higher prevalence of ED compared to those of other countries - 25% of US men (20-75 years of age) compared to 22% of Germans and 12% of Spaniards. The importance of identifying co-morbidities including bph, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia was noted. The study by Esposito et al., JAMA (2005) highlighted the beneficial effects of the adaptation of healthy life styles on sexual inventory functioning.

The discussion then turned to PD-5 inhibitors. The issues of cardiac risk and the Princeton guidelines were presented. Post-coital risk of a nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) was 2.5% if there were no prior history of MI and 2.9% with a prior history. The potential for irreversible vision loss (NAION) as a result of PD-5 inhibitors was raised. Urologists must be aware of this as a possible side-effect.

Nevertheless, PD-5 inhibitors remain, and should remain, the first line treatment option after, or in conjunction with, the correction of reversible risk factors.

Presented by Gerald Matthews, MD, at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association - New York Section - September 6 - 13, 2008 - Berlin, Germany

Reported by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Harris M. Nagler, MD

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