Sexual satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction: correlates and potential predictors.
BACKGROUND
Sexual satisfaction is an important treatment objective for men with erectile dysfunction (ED).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate potential associations between International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) satisfaction at study endpoint and a range of baseline, on-treatment, and endpoint variables.


METHODS
An exploratory analysis was conducted involving 3,935 subjects with ED randomized to on-demand tadalafil (N = 2,824) or placebo (N = 1,111) in randomized, controlled trials across 28 countries. Patients achieving scores > or =16 on IIEF questions 7, 8, 13, and 14 at study endpoint were operationally defined as satisfied (vs. <16, not satisfied). Multivariate logistic regression and other analyses were conducted to ascertain correlates and potential predictors of improvements in the IIEF-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF).


METHODS
Satisfaction on the IIEF at study endpoint, on-treatment improvements in IIEF-EF, and endpoint sexual frequency.


RESULTS
Patients who were satisfied with sexual function were on average younger and had less severe ED, a shorter history of the condition, and no history of vascular disorders, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus/insulin use at baseline (P < 0.01 vs. not satisfied for each). Satisfied patients were also more likely to experience a > or =4-point increase on the IIEF-EF domain on treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 22.4; 95% CI = 17.6-28.5; P < 0.0001) or IIEF-EF > or =26 at endpoint (adjusted OR = 41.0; 95% CI = 33.6-50.2; P < 0.0001). Satisfaction emerged as a strong correlate of a > or =4-point increase in the IIEF-EF on treatment; however, as a correlate of endpoint sexual frequency, baseline sexual frequency was stronger than endpoint satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Satisfaction is associated with certain baseline, on-treatment, and endpoint variables in ED patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and explore their meaning for female partners.
Althof
Stanley E
SE
Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida, Urology, West Palm Beach, FL, USA. stanley.althof@case.edu
Buvat
Jacques
J
Gutkin
Stephen W
SW
Belger
Mark
M
Stothard
Diane R
DR
Fugl-Meyer
Axel R
AR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002243:Carbolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D018783:Impotence, Vasculogenic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068581:Tadalafil
D002243:Carbolines; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D000068581:Tadalafil