Relative efficacy of sildenafil compared to other treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
We examined and compared the efficacy of sildenafil in patients previously using other agents or devices for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment.


METHODS
We identified 47 patients with organic ED who had tried other therapies (intracavernosal injection therapy [ICIT], intraurethral prostaglandin suppositories [IPS], vacuum erection devices [VEDs], or yohimbine) before using sildenafil. Comparisons of the efficacy of sildenafil to the previously used agent or device were assessed by telephone questionnaire. Responses were compared using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum and analysis of variance testing.


RESULTS
Sildenafil therapy was no more effective than ICIT or VEDs but was more effective than IPS. No significant difference occurred in response to sildenafil with age. Of 22 patients achieving erections adequate for intercourse with their previous therapy, 14 (63%) achieved equal or improved erections with sildenafil. Of the remaining 18 patients who had erections inadequate for intercourse with previous therapy, 5 (27%) had adequate erections with sildenafil.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral sildenafil therapy provides results comparable to those of other available ED treatment modalities. A trial of this drug in this patient population is warranted.
Gauthier
A
A
Department of Urology, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Rutchik
D S
DS
Winters
C J
CJ
Fuselier
A H
AH
Woo
H
H
Prats
J L
JL
Bardot
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D018783:Impotence, Vasculogenic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013450:Sulfones
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate