Reasons for discontinuation of sildenafil citrate after successful restoration of erectile function.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the reasons for discontinuations of sildenafil after the successful restoration of erectile function.


METHODS
One hundred fifty six patients, whose scores of erectile function domain of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) increased to 26 or more after sildenafil medication, were included in this study. Six-months after the first sildenafil prescription, compliance to medication and the reason for discontinuity were reviewed by chart or surveyed by telephone.


RESULTS
Fifty-four (34.6 %) of the 156 successfully treated patients discontinued sildenafil medication. The reasons for discontinuance were shortcomings in the partners' or patients' emotional readiness for the restoration of sexual life after long-term abstinence (37.0 %), fear of possible side effects (18.5 %), recovery of spontaneous erection (14.8 %), postponement of ED treatment because of co-morbid disease treatment (11.1 %), unwillingness to accept drug-dependent erection (7.4 %), high drug cost (3.7 %), unacceptability of planned sexual activity (3.7 %) and lack of sexual interest (3.7 %).


CONCLUSIONS
The reasons for discontinuing sildenafil medication were primarily emotional or relationship-oriented, which indicates that simple recovery of a rigid erection is insufficient to restore sexual activity. More education about the effects of drug and the counseling of both partners is recommended to promote the successful recovery of sexual activity.
Son
Hwancheol
H
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Yongun-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul,110-744, Korea.
Park
Kwanjin
K
Kim
Soo-Woong
SW
Paick
Jae-Seung
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D016527:Drug Costs; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D013689:Telephone
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate