Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men-A Review of the Prevalence and Risk Factors

A higher TyG index is related with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction in males between the ages 20-70 in the United States, according to a cross-sectional research

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationship between triglyceride glucose index (TyG) and erectile dysfunction (ED) among United States (US) adult males.

Methods

A logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and the computation of the dose-response curve were used to investigate the relationship between TyG index and ED prevalence among participants from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

Results

After adjusting for all confounders, each unit increase in TyR index was associated with a 25 percent increase in ED prevalence (OR=1.25, 95%CI:1.03, 1.52), and stratified analysis showed that elevated TyG index was associated with increased ED prevalence in the 50-year old group (OR=1.35, 95% CI:1.05, 1.74), the Mexican-American group (OR=1.50, 95% CI:1.00, 2.23) and BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2 (OR=1.48, 95% CI:1.08, 2.01). The dose-response curve demonstrated a positive linear connection between the TyG index and the risk of ED.

Conclusion

It has been shown that a higher TyG index is associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Although the causal relationship is not clear, it still deserves clinical attention.

Opioid-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Cancer Patients

Simple Summary

Sexual disorders affect up to 80% of cancer patients, depending on the type of cancer, yet they are commonly overlooked and untreated. Opioid-induced sexual dysfunction (OISD) is reported in half of opioid users. The pathophysiology of OISD—still a subject for research—may include disorders of both the endocrine and nervous systems, expressed in, among other things, erectile dysfunction and declined sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasm, and general satisfaction with one’s sex life. The etiology of sexual dysfunction in cancer patients is usually multifactorial, so the management should be multifaceted and individualized by targeting pathophysiological factors. The treatment options for OISD are few and include testosterone replacement therapy, bupropion, opioid antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, plant-derived substances, and non-pharmacological treatments, although the evidence is insufficient. One of the treatment options may also be a choice of an opioid that is less likely to cause sexual dysfunction, yet further research is necessary.

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with advanced cancer, although it is frequently belittled, and thus consistently underdiagnosed and untreated. Opioid analgesics remain fundamental and are widely used in cancer pain treatment. However, they affect sexual functions primarily due to their action on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. Other mechanisms such as the impact on the central and peripheral nervous systems are also possible. The opioid-induced sexual dysfunction includes erectile dysfunction, lack of desire and arousal, orgasmic disorder, and lowered overall sexual satisfaction. Around half of the individuals taking opioids chronically may be affected by sexual dysfunction. The relative risk of sexual dysfunction in patients on chronic opioid therapy and opioid addicts increased two-fold in a large meta-analysis. Opioids differ in their potential to induce sexual dysfunctions. Partial agonists and short-acting opioids may likely cause sexual dysfunction to a lesser extent. Few pharmaceutical therapies proved effective: testosterone replacement therapy, PDE5 inhibitors, bupropion, trazodone, opioid antagonists, and plant-derived medicines such as Rosa damascena and ginseng. Non-pharmacological options, such as psychosexual or physical therapies, should also be considered. However, the evidence is scarce and projected primarily from non-cancer populations, including opioid addicts. Further research is necessary to explore the problem of sexuality in cancer patients and the role of opioids in inducing sexual dysfunction.

Male Sexual Dysfunction

Male sexual dysfunction is a series of conditions, most notably including erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie's disease (PD), and premature ejaculation (PE), defined by impaired sexual functioning. The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases with age and is relatively high with greater than 50% of men aged 40 to 70 describing some degree of erectile dysfunction. Risk factors for male sexual dysfunction include age, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, stroke, hypertension, penile trauma, depression, anxiety, and disturbance in central serotonin neurotransmission and 5-HT postsynaptic receptor functioning. Sexual questionnaires including the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool are useful in screening for these disorders. Focused history and physical can establish diagnoses. For a condition to be diagnosed as male sexual dysfunction, the patient or their partner must view their sexual functioning as impaired. Treatment of male sexual dysfunction is etiology dependent. For ED, first-line therapy is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or mental health care for psychogenic ED. More complicated cases may be treated with injections, surgery, or shockwave therapy. PD is either treated with medications for pain management, collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, corpoplasty, plication, or shockwave therapy. PE may be treated behaviorally or with SSRIs as first line medication.

Food Insecurity May be an Independent Risk Factor Associated With Erectile Dysfunction in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data

INTRODUCTION

While food insecurity is a global public health problem associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease, literature regarding the relationship between food insecurity and erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce.

AIM

We aimed to determine the associations between food insecurity and ED in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

METHODS

Data was extracted from 3,891 participants (aged ≥ 20 years) with ED in the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with sampling weights was conducted to evaluate the associations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Food security was assessed utilizing the Household Food Security Module. A single-question self-report from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study was utilized to evaluate ED status.

RESULTS

Approximately 10.2% of individuals had food insecurity. Food insecurity was significantly associated with ED after full adjustment (odds ratio [OR] 1.56; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.16-2.09; P = .003). Men with very low food insecurity had 59% higher risks of ED compared with those having high food security (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.13-2.27; P = .006). Moreover, the associations were stronger in the old people (age ≥ 60) (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.26-3.66; P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Food insecurity might be associated with higher risks of developing ED. Wang W, Chen J, Peng L, et al. Food Insecurity May be an Independent Risk Factor Associated With Erectile Dysfunction in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data. Sex Med 2022;XX:XXXXXX.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Primary Culture of Human Corpora Cavernosal Tissue From Prostatectomy, Diabetic, and Peyronie's Patients

BACKGROUND

Cavernous nerve (CN) injury causes penile remodeling, including smooth muscle apoptosis and increased collagen, which results in erectile dysfunction (ED), and prevention of this remodeling is critical for novel ED therapy development.

AIM

We developed 2 peptide amphiphile (PA) hydrogel delivery vehicles for Sonic hedgehog (SHH) protein to the penis and CN, which effectively suppress penile distrophic remodeling (apoptosis and fibrosis), in vivo in a rat CN injury model, and the aim of this study is to determine if SHH PA can be used to regenerate human corpora cavernosal smooth muscle deriving from multiple ED origins.

METHODS

Corpora cavernosal tissue was obtained from prostatectomy, diabetic, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and Peyronie's (control) patients (n = 21). Primary cultures (n = 21) were established, and corpora cavernosal cells were treated with SHH protein, MSA (control), 5E1 SHH inhibitor, and PBS (control). Growth was quantified by counting the number of cells at 3-4 days. Statistics were performed by ANOVA with Scheffe's post hoc test. Concentration of SHH protein for maximal growth was optimized, and a more active SHH protein examined.

OUTCOMES

Cultures were characterized by immunohistochemical analysis with ACTA2, CD31, nNOS and P4HB, and smooth muscle was quantified in comparison to DAPI.

RESULTS

Cultures established were >97% smooth muscle. SHH protein increased growth of smooth muscle cells from prostatectomy, diabetic, and Peyronie's patients in a similar manner (49%-51%), and SHH inhibition decreased growth (20%-33%). There was no difference in growth using 25 ug and 10 ug SHH protein, suggesting a threshold concentration of SHH protein above which smooth muscle growth is enhanced. A more active lipid modified SHH peptide further enhanced growth (15%), indicating a more robust growth response. SHH increased growth in smooth muscle cells from hypertension (37%) and cardiovascular disease (32%) patients. SHH protein increased growth under normal and high glucose conditions, suggesting that high glucose conditions that may be present in under controlled diabetic patients would not detract from SHH regenerative capacity.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

SHH PA would be beneficial to enhance smooth muscle regeneration in patients with ED of multiple etiologies.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Understanding how human corpora cavernosal tissue responds to SHH treatment is critical for clinical translation of SHH PA to ED patients.

CONCLUSION

Corpora cavernosal smooth muscle from all ED patients responded to SHH treatment with increased growth. Stupp, SI. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Primary Culture of Human Corpora Cavernosal Tissue From Prostatectomy, Diabetic, and Peyronie's Patients. J Sex Med 2022;19:1228-1242.

Psychological Factors Related to Impotence as a Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: A Literature Scan for Noteworthy Research Frameworks

Despite the increasing interest in clinical practice in sexual dysfunction (SD) and the related relevance of psychological outcomes for young people, this area has been neglected in scientific scenarios. This study aims to draw on recent scientific findings and propose future research perspectives on the risk factors, diagnostic issues, and therapies that address SD for the under-40 age category, with particular attention paid to various psychological aspects. A literature search was conducted on studies published between March 2011 and March 2021. Anxiety, depression, and relational conflicts can both cause and affect sexual dysfunction. Psychological interventions have also proved to be important to organic causes; however, no review has found either sex education programs or multidisciplinary therapies. A multidisciplinary approach involving medical doctors and psychologists (trained in psychosexology) would improve not only the recognition of disorders through organic and psychogenic symptoms, but also treatment effectiveness.

MMM, López-Ramos H. Disfunción eréctil en personas con VIH – Revisión de alcance

Objetivo Exponer los factores que han sido asociados al desarrollo de disfunción eréctil (DE) en las personas con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y cuál es la prevalencia de la disfunción eréctil en esta población.

Métodos Se realizó una revisión de alcance utilizando las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Scopus, Lilacs, y Psycinfo. Los artículos incluidos debían tener cualquier información relacionada con la DE en personas con VIH, su prevalencia, y posibles factores asociados. Se filtraron un total de 2.726 artículos por título y resumen, y, de estos, se seleccionaron 22 referencias para revisión de texto completo y análisis.

Resultados Se encontró que las personas con VIH tienen una mayor probabilidad de presentar DE en comparación con las personas sin VIH. Algunos estudios han establecido una asociación entre la DE y trastornos psicológicos o factores orgánicos, como la lipodistrofia, la hipertensión arterial, la hipercolesterolemia, la diabetes mellitus, la depresión, la ansiedad, y el hipogonadismo. La ingesta de terapia antirretroviral (TARV), más específicamente los inhibidores de la proteasa, sigue siendo cuestionada como causante de DE en pacientes con VIH.

Conclusiones Ante un paciente con diagnóstico de VIH, se debe ahondar sobre DE con el fin de recomendar e iniciar conductas terapéuticas que aseguren un mejoramiento en su calidad de vida.

Genetic Evidence Supporting a Causal Role of Snoring in Erectile Dysfunction

Background

The association between snoring and erectile dysfunction (ED) is inconsistent in multiple observational studies. To clarify the causal association of snoring on ED, we performed this two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Materials and Methods

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with snoring were retrieved from the UK biobank cohort with 314,449 participants (117,812 cases and 196,637 controls). The summary statistics of ED were obtained from the European ancestry with 223,805 subjects (6,175 cases and 217,630 controls). Single-variable Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR were used to assess the causal relationship between snoring and ED.

Results

Snoring increases the risk of ED (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68 - 7.09, P < 0.001) in the inverse variance weighting estimator. In sensitivity analyses, the ORs for the weighted median, MR robust adjusted profile score, and MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier approach, MR-Egger, and maximum likelihood method are 5.70 (95% CI = 1.19 - 27.21, P < 0.05), 3.14 (95% CI = 1.01 - 9.72, P < 0.05), 3.11 (95% CI = 1.63 - 5.91, P < 0.01), 1.23 (95% CI = 0.01 - 679.73, P > 0.05), and 3.59 (95% CI = 1.07 - 12.00, P < 0.05), respectively. No heterogeneity and pleiotropy are observed (P for MR-Egger intercept = 0.748; P for global test = 0.997; P for Cochran's Q statistics > 0.05). After adjusting for total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and cigarette consumption, the ORs for ED are 5.75 (95% CI = 1.80 - 18.34, P < 0.01), 4.16 (95% CI = 1.10 - 15.81, P < 0.05), 5.50 (95% CI = 1.62 - 18.69, P < 0.01), and 2.74 (95% CI = 1.06 - 7.10, P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides genetic evidence supporting the causal role of snoring in ED.

Cardiovascular/Stroke Risk Assessment in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction-A Role of Carotid Wall Arterial Imaging and Plaque Tissue Characterization Using Artificial Intelligence Paradigm: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE

The role of erectile dysfunction (ED) has recently shown an association with the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) via the atherosclerotic pathway. Cardiovascular disease (CVD)/stroke risk has been widely understood with the help of carotid artery disease (CTAD), a surrogate biomarker for CHD. The proposed study emphasizes artificial intelligence-based frameworks such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) that can accurately predict the severity of CVD/stroke risk using carotid wall arterial imaging in ED patients.

METHODS

Using the PRISMA model, 231 of the best studies were selected. The proposed study mainly consists of two components: (i) the pathophysiology of ED and its link with coronary artery disease (COAD) and CHD in the ED framework and (ii) the ultrasonic-image morphological changes in the carotid arterial walls by quantifying the wall parameters and the characterization of the wall tissue by adapting the ML/DL-based methods, both for the prediction of the severity of CVD risk. The proposed study analyzes the hypothesis that ML/DL can lead to an accurate and early diagnosis of the CVD/stroke risk in ED patients. Our finding suggests that the routine ED patient practice can be amended for ML/DL-based CVD/stroke risk assessment using carotid wall arterial imaging leading to fast, reliable, and accurate CVD/stroke risk stratification.

SUMMARY

We conclude that ML and DL methods are very powerful tools for the characterization of CVD/stroke in patients with varying ED conditions. We anticipate a rapid growth of these tools for early and better CVD/stroke risk management in ED patients.

Contemporary cost-analysis comparison of direct-to-consumer vs. traditional prescriptions of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

After a focused telehealth visit, patients can now access phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor) prescriptions through online direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare companies. This study seeks to quantify the cost of DTC PDE5 inhibitor treatment compared to a traditional physician visit and local pharmacy prescription. Two DTC companies, two compounding pharmacies with national reach, three online Canadian pharmacies, and sixteen American pharmacy chains were queried for prices of 90-day regimens of common PDE5 inhibitors. Prices for chains were determined using their publicly available price on GoodRx^® with coupon. Cost of physician visit was determined using 2020 Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursement for a level 3 new patient visit. For sildenafil 20 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $125.45 compared to $144.35 for compounding, $169.34 for Canadian, and $195.00 for DTC. For sildenafil 100 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $137.16 compared to $289.35 for compounding, $200.36 for Canadian, and $900.00 for DTC. For tadalafil 5 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $125.80 compared to $169.35 for compounding, $195.34 for Canadian, and $720.00 for DTC. For tadalafil 20 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $161.00 compared to $289.35 for compounding, $229.00 for Canadian, and $2880.00 for DTC. Thus, local pharmacies, in conjunction with online coupons, consistently provide a markedly less-expensive option for fulfillment of PDE5 inhibitor prescriptions than online DTC services.

Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Function in Individuals with and without Sexual Partners

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between masturbation frequency and sexual dysfunction among men and women, focusing on individuals with and without regular sexual partners, and to determine whether sexual compatibility (e.g., similar sexual desire levels and a match between desired behaviors and behaviors one’s partner is willing to engage in) in the relationship affects masturbation frequency. Here, 12,271 Finnish men and women completed an online survey about masturbation frequency, sexual function, and sexual compatibility with their partner for those who were in a relationship. The results indicated that masturbation frequency was positively associated with overall sexual function for women. This was moderated by relationship status, meaning that more frequent masturbation was associated with better orgasmic function and sexual satisfaction in single women, whereas the opposite was true for women who were in a relationship. For men, more frequent masturbation was associated with better erectile function for single men, and better ejaculatory latency but worse orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and more symptoms of delayed ejaculation for men who were in a relationship. Lower sexual compatibility and sexual dysfunctions in the partner were associated with more frequent masturbation in both sexes. The associations between masturbation frequency and sexual function vary for single and partnered individuals, and are, for the latter group, further affected by sexual compatibility.

Association Between Chronic Periodontal Disease and Erectile Dysfunction: A Case-Control Study

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic periodontal disease (CPD) share mutual risk factors, and the incidence of ED is increasing among young adults. The relation of CPD and ED remains obscure due to inconsistent clinical evidence. This study aimed to further assess the relationship between CPD and ED using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Totally, 202 adult men were included, with 100 subjects with ED in the case group and 102 subjects without ED undergoing routine dental examinations in the control group. The IIEF questionnaire was used to assess the severity of ED, and CPD was assessed through the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) score. Periodontal assessments were performed by one single calibrated examiner. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the association between CPD and ED. After adjustment for age, smoking status, tooth brushing time, education level, monthly income, tooth brushing frequency, and gum bleeding, higher CPI score was identified to be associated with a greater risk of ED (odds ratio [OR] = 2.755, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.400, 5.423], p = .003), suggesting that CPD was positively associated with the odds of ED. CPD was getting more severe with the progress of ED (p < .05). Men with ED could be encouraged to receive routine dental examinations and appropriate preventive dental measures to maintain oral and periodontal health.

Hyperuricaemia is an important risk factor of the erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Serum uric acid can affect endothelial function, and hyperuricaemia-induced endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. As endothelial dysfunction is also a main pathogenic mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED), the present study aims to evaluate the relationship between hyperuricaemia and ED via systemic review and meta-analysis. Five cohort studies and six cross-sectional studies on hyperuricaemia and ED, including a total of 454,510 participants, were recruited. Odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were adopted to estimate the relationship between hyperuricaemia and ED. Overall risk on effects of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) were analysed. In addition, subgroup analyses on study design, populations, age stratification and the object were conducted. In the patients with hyperuricaemia, the risk of ED was 1.59-fold higher than (pooled OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.29, 1.97]) the non-hyperuricaemia counterparts. Urate-lowing therapy (ULT) in these hyperuricaemia patients reduced the risk of ED by 27% (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.14, 1.41]). After subgroup analysis, the association between hyperuricaemia and ED remained significant apart from the >60 years subgroup. Hyperuricaemia is an important risk factor of ED, while ULT can reduce the risk of ED in hyperuricaemia. This study suggests that hyperuricaemia-associated endothelial dysfunction may also underlie the pathogenesis of ED in these patients.

The Temporal Association of Depression and Anxiety in Young Men With Erectile Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multidimensional sexual disorder that is being increasingly diagnosed in younger men. Although mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are known risk factors for ED, the association between these conditions and ED has been understudied in young men.

AIM

To explore the temporal association between depression, anxiety, and ED in a population-based cohort of young men.

METHODS

Using 2009-2018 MarketScan Commercial Claims data, we identified all men with ED aged 18-40 years (cases). Using ICD-9/-10 codes and prescription data, we evaluated the prevalence and incidence of depression and anxiety in this cohort. Cases were matched with men without a diagnosis of ED (controls) based on age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, history of hypertension, geographic region, and year of presentation. We examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety within 12 months prior to ED diagnosis and incidence of depression and anxiety up to 36 months after ED diagnosis in cases vs controls. Differences between cases and controls were tested with Wilcoxon rank-sum test for numerical covariates, and chi-square test for categorical covariates. Significance was set at P < .05.

OUTCOMES

Prevalence and incidence of depression and anxiety in young men with and without ED.

RESULTS

Within the 12-month period preceding ED diagnosis, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in cases vs controls were 17.1% vs 12.9%, respectively (P < .001). The incidence of depression and anxiety were higher amongst cases vs controls at 12- (11.7% vs 6.3%), 24- (14.5% vs 9.0%,) and 36- (15.9% vs 10.6%) months following ED diagnosis (P < .001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

High incidence and prevalence of depression and anxiety in young men diagnosed with ED highlight the importance of normalizing mental health screenings and routine psychiatric follow-up in this population.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

Our contemporary, case-control study utilizes a population-based cohort of young men with ED to study the temporal association between depression, anxiety, and ED, which is understudied to date. The MarketScan commercial claims database used in this analysis includes men covered by private insurers only and lacks data on symptoms and treatments.

CONCLUSION

Young men with ED had significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety both before and after ED diagnosis in comparison to young men without ED. Manalo TA, Biermann HD, Patil DH, et al. The Temporal Association of Depression and Anxiety in Young Men With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2022;19:201-206.

Pathway Enrichment Analysis of Microarray Data Fom Human Penis of Diabetic and Peyronie's Patients, in Comparison with Diabetic Rat Erectile Dysfunction Models

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a debilitating medical condition in which current treatments are minimally effective in diabetic patients due to neuropathy of the cavernous nerve, a peripheral nerve that innervates the penis. Loss of innervation causes apoptosis of penile smooth muscle, remodeling of corpora cavernosa (penile erectile tissue) morphology, and ED.

AIM

In this study, microarray and pathway analysis were used to obtain a global understanding of how signaling mechanisms are altered in diabetic patients and animal models as ED develops, in order to identify novel targets for disease management, and points of intervention for clinical therapy development.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

Human corpora cavernosal tissue was obtained from diabetic (n = 4) and Peyronie's (control, n = 3) patients that were undergoing prosthesis implant to treat ED, and BB/WOR diabetic (n = 5) and resistant (n = 5) rats. RNA was extracted using TRIzol, DNase treated, and purified by Qiagen mini kit. Microarray was performed using the Human Gene 2.0 ST Array. (i) Alterations in patient and diabetic rat pathway signaling were examined using several analytical tools (ShinyGO, Metascape, WebGestalt, STRING) and databases, (ii) Strengths/weaknesses of the different pathway analysis tools were compared, and (iii) Comparison of human and rat (BB/WOR and Streptozotocin) pathway analysis was performed. Two technical replicates were performed. P value (FDR) < .15 was used as threshold for differential expression. FDR < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Microarray identified 182 differentially expressed protein-coding genes. Pathway analysis revealed similar enrichments with different analytical tools. Down regulated pathways include development, tubular structure, sprouting, cell death, ischemia, angiogenesis, transcription, second messengers, and stem cell differentiation. ED patients, who have diabetes, incur significant loss of normal regulatory processes required for repair and replacement of injured corpora cavernosal tissue. Combined with loss of apoptotic regulatory mechanisms, this results in significant architectural remodeling of the corpora cavernosa, and loss of regenerative capacity in the penis.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

This first report of microarray and pathway analysis in human corpora cavernosa, is critical for identification of novel pathways pertinent to ED and for validating animal models.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The analysis of tissue specific gene expression profiles provides a means of understanding drivers of disease and identifying novel pathways for clinical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Penis from diabetic ED patients lacks capacity for maintenance of corpora cavernosal architecture and regeneration, which are critical points for intervention for therapy development.

Prevalence, Comorbidities, and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Prospective Real-World Study in the United Kingdom

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of erectile dysfunction (ED) burden could improve health outcomes associated with underlying cardiometabolic and psychological causes of ED. This study provided updated real-world evidence (RWE) on ED epidemiology and quantified healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden among men with ED in the UK.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, prospective real-world evidence study was conducted via a self-reported Internet survey in 2018 in the UK general population. Prevalence of ED was estimated; HCRU and HRQoL were compared between men with ED versus without ED via bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 12,490 men included, 41.5% reported ED; 7.5% of men reported severe ED; ED was most prevalent in Wales (44.3%). Men with ED were older (54.1 ± 14.5 vs. 46.8 ± 14.1 years) and often reported modifiable lifestyle risk factors, including smoking (32.8% vs. 26.3%), drinking alcohol (76.1% vs. 71.0%), not exercising (21.7% vs. 19.4%), and being overweight or obese (64.9% vs. 54.6%). Additionally, men with ED more often reported ≥1 comorbid chronic conditions (73.7% vs. 47.7%), including hypertension (31.8% vs. 16.3%), hyperlipidemia (27.6% vs. 14.0%), depression (24.3% vs. 14.6%), anxiety (23.3% vs. 16.6%), and diabetes (15.9% vs. 6.1%) versus men without ED (all, p < 0.001). Nearly half of men with ED (45.3%) were not undergoing treatment for cardiometabolic or psychological comorbidities. Furthermore, men with ED more often reported ≥1 visit to physicians/nurse practitioners and pharmacists in the past year and had significantly lower SEAR total and domain scores than men without ED (all, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ED was highly prevalent in the UK affecting over a quarter of younger men. Cardiometabolic and psychological conditions were common among men with ED and often remained untreated. Higher proportions of modifiable lifestyle risk factors observed among men with ED present an opportunity for healthcare providers to help mitigate the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and incidence of ED.

Erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels prior to COVID-19 disease: What is the relationship?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and the effect of serum testosterone level on the disease prognosis.

METHODS

Between April-December 2020, 70 patients who were admitted with a complaint of ED after having COVID-19 and whose serum testosterone level was checked for varicocele, premature ejaculation, and infertility reasons before COVID-19. The patients filled the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and their testosterone level was checked. The questionnaire was arranged to assess the first month before COVID-19 and after COVID-19. Testosterone levels of the patients before and after COVID-19 were compared. The relationship between testosterone levels and hospitalization in the intensive care was evaluated.

RESULTS

It was revealed that testosterone levels and IIEF-5 scores after COVID-19 in all patients were statisticaly and significantly different compared to the period before COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels of patients in need of intensive care were significantly higher than those without any need of intensive care (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has presented that COVID-19 may cause ED and high testosterone levels increase the rate of hospitalization in the intensive care by intensifying the disease.

Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Sildenafil Citrate, Cognitive Behavior Sex Therapy and Integrated Treatment in Men Diagnosed With Non Organic Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction

The integrated treatment combining phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and Cognitive Behavior Sex Therapy (CBST) has been shown to yield promising results in the treatment of Non Organic Erectile Dysfunction (NOED) in young men.

Aim

The current study aimed to establish the efficacy of integrated treatment combining Sildenafil Citrate (SC) 50mg and CBST as a treatment of choice in young Pakistani men with NOED.

Methods

One hundred thirty-seven young men were recruited to participate in the study out of 164 men referred from sexual health clinics in Pakistan. They were randomized sequentially into 4 treatment groups namely SC = 35, CBST = 34, integrated treatment = 35, and placebo = 33. 7, 4, 6, and 4 men were dropped out of each treatment group respectively. The data of 116 men were analyzed. The on demand SC 50 mg, twice weekly 50 minutes sessions and home assignments, a combination of SC and 50 minutes sessions, and placebo were administered to firsst, second, third, and fourth group respectively for a period of 12 weeks. The follow-up assessment was done after 12 weeks of post-treatment for all groups.

Main Outcome Measures

The Urdu standardized versions of International Index of Erectile Functoning-5 (IIEF-5) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were the main outcome measures.

Results

The mixed repeated measures analysis of co-variance yielded significant impact of both CBST and integrated treatment groups in improving IIEF-5 scores at post treatment as compared to placebo. The CBST group experienced reduction in depression scores at post treatment as compared to both SC and integrated treatment. Only the integrated treatment brought reduction in anxiety scores at post treatment as compared to SC. The covariates age and NOED duration did not significantly impact the treatment outcome for all treatment groups.

Clinical Implications

The efficacy of integrated treatment approach for improving symptoms of NOED and associated depression and anxiety is strong clinical implication of the study.

Strengths & Limitations

The effectiveness of integrated treatment approach in the improvement of NOED symptoms and associated depression and anxiety scores is the main strength of the study. The improvement in depression scores is the added strength of CBST component of integrated treatment approach. The study should have included other PDE5i to compare their effects with the CBST or placebo groups.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the CBST and integrated treatments are treatment of choice for NOED and associated depression and anxiety in young men.

Bilal A, Abbasi NH. Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Sildenafil Citrate, Cognitive Behavior Sex Therapy and Integrated Treatment in Men Diagnosed With Non Organic Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2022;10:100464.

Decreased gray matter volume of the anterior insular cortex in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A voxel-based morphometry study

This study aimed to explore the gray matter morphological alteration and its correlation with the severity of symptoms in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED). Fifty patients with pED and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The whole-brain voxel-based morphometry analysis was conducted to compare the differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between patients with pED and HCs. And then, the region-of-interest-based correlation analyses were performed between the GMV of these regions with the most pronounced between-group differences and clinical symptoms in patients. The results demonstrated that patients with pED manifested decreased GMV in the bilateral anterior insula (aINS), bilateral precentral gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral middle cingulate cortex, bilateral fusiform gyrus, and cerebellum when compared to HCs. Taking the bilateral aINS as the region-of-interest, the results of voxel-based correlation analyses showed that the GMV of the bilateral aINS were positively correlated with the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and Quality of Erection Questionnaire score, and the GMV of right aINS was positively associated with duration and sexual craving score in patients with pED. Furthermore, the significant correlations between the total GMV of the right aINS and IIEF-5 and sexual craving score, as well as between the total GMV of the left aINS and sexual craving score were also detected. In conclusion, these results suggested that the decreased GMV of aINS might be a critical neuropathological characteristic of pED, which provided new evidence for understanding the neurobiological basis of pED from the perspective of brain structure alterations.

A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM)

INTRODUCTION

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) involves an interaction between physiological and psychological pathways, the psychosocial aspects of ED have received considerably less attention so far.

AIM

To review the available evidence on the psychosocial aspects of ED in order to develop a position statement and clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM).

METHOD

A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Specific statements and recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria were provided.

RESULTS

A multidisciplinary treatment, in which medical treatment is combined with a psychological approach, is preferred over unimodal treatment. There is increasing evidence that psychological treatments of ED can improve medical treatments, the patient's adherence to treatment, and the quality of the sexual relationship. The main components of psychological treatment of ED involve cognitive and behavioral techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, increasing sexual stimulation, disrupting sexual avoidance, and increasing intimacy and communication skills in a relational context. When applicable and possible, it is strongly recommended to include the partner in the assessment and treatment of ED and to actively work on interpartner agreement and shared decision-making regarding possible treatment options. To ensure a better integration of the biopsychosocial model into clinical practice, developing concrete treatment protocols and training programs are desirable.

CONCLUSION

Because the psychosocial approach to ED has been underexposed so far, this position statement provides valuable information for clinicians treating ED. Psychological interventions on ED are based on existing theoretical models that are grounded in empirical evidence. However, the quality of available studies is low, which calls for further research. The sexual medicine field would benefit from pursuing more diversity, inclusivity, and integration when setting up treatments and evaluating their effect. Dewitte M, Bettocchi C, Carvalho J, et al. A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Sex Med 2021;9:100434.

Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey

BACKGROUND

Expanding access to the internet has resulted in more and earlier consumption of online pornography. At the same time, a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among young men is seen. Increased pornography consumption has been suggested as a possible explanation for this rise.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to better understand associations between problematic pornography consumption (PPC) and ED.

METHODS

A 118-item survey was published online, and data collection took place between April 2019 and May 2020. Of the 5770 men who responded, the responses from 3419 men between 18 years old and 35 years old were analyzed. The survey used validated questionnaires such as the Cyber Pornography Addiction Test (CYPAT), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C). The estimated amount of porn watching was calculated. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. For the multivariable analysis, a logistic regression model using a directed acyclic graph was used.

RESULTS

According to their IIEF-5 scores, 21.48% (444/2067) of our sexually active participants (ie, those who attempted penetrative sex in the previous 4 weeks) had some degree of ED. Higher CYPAT scores indicating problematic online pornography consumption resulted in a higher probability of ED, while controlling for covariates. Masturbation frequency seemed not to be a significant factor when assessing ED.

CONCLUSIONS

This prevalence of ED in young men is alarmingly high, and the results of this study suggest a significant association with PPC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Research Registry researchregistry5111; https://tinyurl.com/m45mcaa2.

The Lost Penis Syndrome: A New Clinical Entity in Sexual Medicine

INTRODUCTION

The "lost penis syndrome" (LPS) is a term often used in non-clinical settings to describe the subjective perception of the loss of cutaneous and proprioceptive feelings of the male organ during vaginal penetration. Although deserving clinical attention, this syndrome did not receive any consideration in the medical literature. Notwithstanding, it represents a relatively unexceptional condition among patients in sexual medicine clinics, and it is often reported together with other sexual dysfunctions, especially delayed ejaculation, anejaculation, male anorgasmia and inability to maintain a full erection.

OBJECTIVES

To draft a new conceptual characterization of the LPS, defined as a lack of penile somesthetic sensations during sexual penetration due to various causes and leading to several sexual consequences in both partners.

METHODS

Based on an extensive literature review and physiological assumptions, the mechanisms contributing to friction during penovaginal intercourse, and their correlation to LPS, have been explored, as well as other nonanatomical factors possibly contributing to the loss of penile sensations.

RESULTS

Efficient penile erection and sensitivity, optimal vaginal lubrication and trophism contribute to penovaginal friction. Whenever one of these processes does not occur, loss of penile sensation defined as LPS can occur. Sociocultural, psychopathological and age-related (ie, couplepause) factors are also implicated in the etiology. Four types of LPS emerged from the literature review: anatomical and/or functional, behavioral, psychopathological and iatrogenic. According to the subtype, a wide variety of treatments can be employed, including PDE5i, testosterone replacement therapy and vaginal cosmetic surgery, as well as targeted therapy for concomitant sexual comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

We held up the mirror on LPS as a clinically existing multifactorial entity and provided medical features and hypotheses contributing to or causing the occurrence of LPS. In the light of a sociocultural and scientific perspective, we proposed a description and categorization of this syndrome hypothesizing its usefulness in daily clinical practice. Colonnello E, Limoncin E, Ciocca G, et al. The Lost Penis Syndrome: A New Clinical Entity in Sexual Medicine. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

Application of laser speckle blood perfusion imaging in the evaluation of erectile function in rats

Intracavernosal pressure measurement is the gold standard for evaluating erectile function in experimental animals, but it has the shortcoming of being invasive. This study aimed to explore the application of laser speckle perfusion imaging in evaluating erectile function in rats. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation and model groups (n = 30 each). A rat model of neuroinjury erectile dysfunction was established by surgically damaging the bilateral cavernous nerves in the model group. Simulated surgery was performed in the sham operation group; the nerves were not damaged. Erectile function was evaluated by comparing the changes in intracavernosal pressure and blood flow fluctuations when the cavernous nerve was stimulated using the same voltage parameters. Intracavernosal pressure in the model group was significantly lower than that in the other group when using 2.5 V. No significant difference was found in cavernous blood flow fluctuation between the two groups when using 0.5 V. Cavernous blood flow fluctuation in the model group after 2.5 V, 5 V and 7.5 V stimulations was significantly lower than that in the sham operation group. Evaluating erectile function in rats is feasible by measuring the cavernous blood flow using laser speckle perfusion imaging.

Peptide amphiphile nanofiber hydrogel delivery of Sonic hedgehog protein to the penis and cavernous nerve suppresses intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling mechanisms, which are an underlying cause of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and debilitating condition with high impact on quality of life. An underlying cause of ED is apoptosis of penile smooth muscle, which occurs with cavernous nerve injury, in prostatectomy, diabetic and aging patients. We are developing peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofiber hydrogels as an in vivo delivery vehicle for Sonic hedgehog protein to the penis and cavernous nerve to prevent the apoptotic response. We examine two important aspects required for clinical application of the biomaterials: if SHH PA suppresses intrinsic (caspase 9) and extrinsic (caspase 8) apoptotic mechanisms, and if suppressing one apoptotic mechanism forces apoptosis to occur via a different mechanism. We show that SHH PA suppresses both caspase 9 and 8 apoptotic mechanisms, and suppressing caspase 9 did not shift signaling to caspase 8. SHH PA has significant clinical potential as a preventative ED therapy, by management of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic mechanisms.

Sexual dysfunction in patients after double-J catheterisation: A cross-sectional, prospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine sexual dysfunction in patients after double-J catheterisation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted in a research and training hospital from June 2020 to February 2021. The data were collected from patients who visited the emergency clinic and were hospitalised in the urology clinic because of renal calculi. The study was completed with 192 patients. The data were collected using a patient introductory form, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and the 5-item Turkish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Then data were collected before double-J catheterisation, 1 month after catheterisation and a month after the catheter was removed. The data were evaluated using means, numbers, percentile distributions and the paired samples t test.

RESULTS

The patients' sexual function was negatively affected by double-J catheterisation, and this negative effect persisted for a month after removal of the double-J catheter. The differences in the patients' mean IIEF scores and sub-dimension scores before and after double-J catheterisation were statistically significant (P ˂ 0.001). A month after the double-J catheter was removed, the difference between their mean IIEF-5 scores was statistically significant (P ˂ 0.001). No erectile dysfunction was found in 50.0% of the patients before double-J catheterisation. A month after the catheter was removed, erectile dysfunction was found at different levels in 88% of the patients, and severe erectile dysfunction was found in 60.9% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

This study found that double-J catheterisation negatively affects patients' sexual function. Patients experience sexual dysfunction while the double-J catheter is in place and for a month after it is removed.

Risk Factors Affecting Decreased Libido Among Middle-Aged to Elderly Men; Nocturnal Voiding is an Independent Risk Factor of Decreased Libido

Introduction

Decreased libido in middle-aged and elderly men is often difficult to treat, and identifying the risk factors affecting decreased libido is important for the clinical management of decreased libido. However, limited information is available regarding specific risk factors in this population.

Aim

The present study investigated the risk factors for decreased libido among middle-aged and elderly men.

Methods

Patients who attended our male andropausal outpatient clinic between 2009 and 2015 were enrolled. All patients completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Information on waist size, body mass index, present illness, present use of any medication, and lifestyle habits were collected by each attending physician. Blood biochemical data such as free testosterone, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-Chol), and hemoglobin A1c values were assessed. Libido was assessed based on AMS scale question 17, and a score of 4 or higher was defined as severely decreased libido (severe group).

Main Outcome Measure

The clinical factors associated with severely decreased libido were analyzed based on multiple regression analysis.

Results

A total of 292 subjects were included in the analysis, 111 (38%) of which belonged to the severe group. The mean age of study subjects was 66.2 years, and the mean FT value was 7.1 ± 2.2. Comparisons of each variable among the severe and not severe groups showed significant differences in older age, current cigarette smoking, AMS scale, IPSS, frequency of nocturnal voiding, SHIM score, and HDL-Chol value. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that current cigarette smoking, frequent nocturnal voiding, and a low SHIM score were the independent risk factors for severely decreased libido. Furthermore, the frequency of nocturnal voiding significantly increased with severity of decreased libido.

Conclusion

Current cigarette smoking, frequent nocturnal voiding, and a low SHIM score were the independent risk factors for a severely low libido.

K Shigehara, Y Kato, M Iijima, et al. Risk Factors Affecting Decreased Libido Among Middle-Aged to Elderly Men; Nocturnal Voiding is an Independent Risk Factor of Decreased Libido. Sex Med 2021;9:100426.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism and Safety of Perioperative Subcutaneous Heparin During Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To identify the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors, postoperative VTE, and to assess the morbidity of perioperative pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in men undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 215 patients undergoing IPP surgery between July 2017 and June 2019. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed to assess pre-operative Caprini risk score and compare post-operative day 0 scrotal drain output, scrotal hematoma formation, and VTE in men who received subcutaneous heparin (SqH) vs those who did not receive SqH.

RESULTS

Of 215 IPP patients, 84% were classified as high or highest risk for VTE utilizing the Caprini risk score. A total of 119 (55%) received perioperative SqH with or without additional anti-thrombotics. Post-operative day 0 scrotal drain output was higher in those who received SqH compared to those who did not receive SqH, 99.9 mL vs 75.6 mL, respectively (P = .001). Minor scrotal hematomas occurred in similar rates in patients who received perioperative SqH vs those who did not, 3.8% vs 6.3%, respectively (P = .38). Similar results were found on subgroup analysis when eliminating patients who received SqH concurrently with other anti-thrombotics. The overall rate of postoperative VTE was 0.9%. No post-operative infections occurred.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing IPP surgery are at elevated risk for VTE. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing SqH use in the perioperative IPP surgery setting is safe when used in conjunction with a scrotal drain. Preoperative VTE risk stratification may be performed and can be used to guide clinical decision making regarding pharmacologic prophylaxis.

Addressing Health-Care System Inequities in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction: A Call to Action

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, burdensome, and costly urologic condition strongly related to all aspects of general health, from physical to mental. ED has profound consequences as it may interfere physical well-being, quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, relationships, self-worth, and productivity. It is therefore important to ensure that all types of effective ED treatments are consistently accessible to patients. While federal and state mandates ensure access to treatment for women’s breast health, female-factor infertility, and gender affirmation to ensure that these individuals do not experience a diminished QoL, there are no comparable mandates for men’s sexual and reproductive health. The burden of ED necessitates a call to action to improve the accessibility of ED treatments. The call to action steps include: (a) coverage for pharmacological, surgical, and other ED treatments should be viewed in the same way as coverage for other health issues, whether male or female and regardless of the stages of treatment, physical dysfunction, or physical changes; (b) American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines for the management of ED should be followed, including implementation of templates in electronic medical records (EMRs) to support adherence to the guidelines; and (c) coverage criteria should explicitly state that the criteria are intended to support gender equity for sexual and reproductive health care and should not be used to prevent men from receiving medically necessary ED treatments. This call to action offers a pathway to support every man who seeks treatment for ED as a medically necessary intervention by removing systemic health-care barriers.

Sexual Dysfunction and the Impact of Beta-Blockers in Young Males With Coronary Artery Disease

Objective: We aimed to assess the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis, and to examine whether revascularization and medication use have an impact on ED status in patients with early onset of coronary artery disease (EOCAD).

Methods: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to evaluate sexual function in 296 male patients with EOCAD (age, 39.9 ± 4.8 years), and 354 male controls (age, 40.6 ± 4.4 years). The extent of coronary atherosclerosis was measured by Gensini score. Endothelial function was evaluated by two vasomotor indexes including endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) by ELISA.

Results: ED was more frequent (57.8 vs. 31.1%, P < 0.001) and serious (IIEF-5 score:17.7 ± 6.0 vs. 21.6 ± 5.0, P < 0.001) among EOCAD patients than that among controls. IIEF-5 score was negatively correlated with Gensini score (r = −0.383, P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the presence of ED (EOCAD vs. controls) was 1.88 [95% confidential interval (CI), 1.12-3.18]. However, ET-1 and NO attenuated the association between ED and EOCAD (adjusted OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.84-2.80). IIEF-5 score increased after coronary revascularization in patients not on beta-blockers (18.71 ± 4.84 vs. 17.59 ± 6.05, P < 0.001) as compared with baseline, while stayed unchanged in the subgroup using beta-blockers (17.82 ± 5.12 vs. 17.70 ± 5.98, P = 0.09).

Conclusions: ED was common in patients with EOCAD, and associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction may be a pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both ED and EOCAD. Coronary revascularization confers a benefit in ED amelioration, while this effect did not appear in patients using beta-blocker.

A new original nutraceutical formulation ameliorates the effect of Tadalafil on clinical score and cGMP accumulation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of the combination of Tadalafil 5 mg and nutritional supplements composed by Panax ginseng, Moringa Oleifera and Rutin on erectile function in men with mild and moderate vasculogenic ED.

METHODS

we prospectively enrolled 86 patients divided into two groups A (45), B (33) in this multicenter randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial . Drop out was 8 patients (3 patients in group A and 5 in Group B). At screening visit patients underwent clinical examination, blood test (hormonal and metabolic profile) and filled out the IIEF-5 questionnaire and the SEP-2, SEP-3. Patients were randomized by a computergenerated list to receive either Tadalafil 5 mg once daily plus nutritional supplement once daily (group A) or Tadalafil 5 mg plus placebo with the same administration schedule (group B) for 3 months. Blood samples, IIEF-5, SEP-2 and SEP-3 have been collected again after 3 months. cGMP was measured in platelets of 38 patients at baseline and after one months.

RESULTS

Mean age was 59.98 ± 6.90 (range 38-69), mean IIEF-5 score at baseline was 13.59 ± 3.90. After three months of treatment, IIEF-5 score significantly improved in both groups compared to baseline (13.18 ± 3.75 vs 20.48 ± 2.24, p < 0.0001; 14.15 ± 4.09 vs 19.06 ± 4.36, p < 0.0001, in group A and group B respectively). Patients treated with Tadalafil plus nutritional supplement showed a significantly higher increase in IIEF-5 score compared to those who received placebo (7.27 ± 2.20 and 4.9 ± 2.79, respectively; p < 0.0001;). No hormonal differences and metabolic effects were found. According cGMP result, nutritional supplements ameliorates and extends the activity of the chronic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

IIEF-5 significant increase in group B, can be ascribed to the nutritional supplement properties and antioxidant effects of moringa oleifera, ginseng and rutin and this can enhance the endothelial NO and cGMP production.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health-2021 Update: Male Sexual Dysfunction

CONTEXT

The present summary of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines is based on the latest guidelines on male sexual health published in March 2021, with a last comprehensive update in January 2021.

OBJECTIVE

To present a summary of the 2021 version of the EAU guidelines on sexual and reproductive health.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature review was performed up to January 2021. The guidelines were updated, and a strength rating for each recommendation was included based on either a systematic review of the evidence or a consensus opinion from the expert panel.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low levels of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production and/or action. A comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic work-up, along with screening recommendations and contraindications, is provided. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. Along with a detailed basic and advanced diagnostic approach, a novel decision-making algorithm for treating ED in order to better tailor therapy to individual patients is provided. The EAU guidelines have adopted the definition of premature ejaculation (PE), which has been developed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine. After the subtype of PE has been defined, patient's expectations should be discussed thoroughly and pharmacotherapy must be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with lifelong PE, whereas treating the underlying cause must be the initial goal for patients with acquired PE. Haemospermia is defined as the appearance of blood in the ejaculate. Several reasons of haemospermia have been acknowledged; the primary goal over the management work-up is to exclude malignant conditions and treat any other underlying cause.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 guidelines on sexual and reproductive health summarise the most recent findings, and advise in terms of diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction for their use in clinical practice. These guidelines reflect the multidisciplinary nature of their management.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Updated European Association of Urology guidelines on sexual and reproductive health are presented, addressing the diagnosis and treatment of the most prevalent conditions in men. Patients must be fully informed of all relevant diagnostic and therapeutic options and, together with their treating physicians, decide on optimal personalised management strategies.

Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction has remained as one of the major global health issues. Since the discovery of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, a significant portion of the patients has solved the issue of erectile dysfunction. However, the wide distribution of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzymes at various sites of the body led phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors to cause various unnecessary outcomes. Hence, it is vital to look for and find optional agents that could solve these limitations. The people of Ethiopia depend heavily on medicinal plants to ease their ailments, including erectile dysfunction. Aim of the study. The current study was carried out to systematically review the traditional medicinal plants used for the management of erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia.

METHOD

A systematic and manual search was conducted to retrieve relevant articles published from 2000 to August 2020. Electronic databases of PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, and grey literature were employed to access the studies. Accordingly, fifty-four published articles and thesis papers were finally included in this study.

RESULT

Seventy plant species have been reported for the management of erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia. The commonly recorded family was Fabaceae, followed by Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae, and Solanaceae. The plant species that represented the highest number of citations were Asparagus africanus, succeeded by Ricinus communis and Carissa spinarum. The commonest plant part used was roots. Majority of the medicinal plants were administered orally. The growth forms of the reported species were primarily herbs followed by shrubs.

CONCLUSION

The present review compiled medicinal plants utilized by the Ethiopian community to manage erectile dysfunction. The findings will serve as a reference for the selection of plants for further pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical investigations in developing new plant-based drugs used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Is Female Wellness Affected When Men Blame Them for Erectile Dysfunction?

Introduction

Several studies have investigated the association between erectile dysfunction (ED), its treatment, and female sexual dysfunction, but the impact of males blaming their female partners for their ED remains unknown.

Aims

To investigate whether women who are blamed by their male partners for their ED experience worse overall sexual function and satisfaction.

Methods

We performed a global, cross-sectional web-based survey to investigate female perceptions of ED. We distributed the 30-item survey via email, Reddit, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and Facebook. Women 18 years of age or older were eligible to participate and answered questions based on a 5-point Likert scale. Women were grouped by ages 18-29, 30-39, and 40 and older.

Main Outcome Measures

The survey collected data that included general demographics and questions regarding experiencing male blame for ED and its relationship with each subject's sexual health and wellness.

Results

A total of 13,617 females participated in the survey. Of the women surveyed, 79% have experienced their partner losing their erection during sexual activity and approximately 1 out of 7 women (14.7%) had experienced being blamed by their partner for loss of their erection. Women who were blamed for their partner's ED were more likely to end the sexual encounter, were less sexually satisfied, and were more likely to end relationships due to their partner's ED.

Conclusion

Approximately 1 out of 7 women have experienced male blame for their partner's ED which is associated with negative impacts on female mental health, sexual satisfaction and the success of the overall partnership. Because of its widespread impact on female wellness, male blame should be considered during evaluation of female sexual history and men must be educated on the significant impact their reactions during intimacy have on their female partners and their relationships as a whole. Dubin JM, Wyant WA, Balaji NC, et al. Is Female Wellness Affected When Men Blame Them for Erectile Dysfunction?. Sex Med 2021;9:100352.

The effectiveness of psychological interventions alone, or in combination with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction:A systematic review

Objectives: To highlight the efficacy of various psychological interventions (PI) when used in combination with, or in place of, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5i), as compared to the traditional treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) with PDE-5i alone. Methods: A comprehensive literature review for the years 2005-2020 via MEDLINE and PubMed. We included randomised controlled trials that compared the use of either PDE-5i alone, PI alone or a combination of PDE-5i and PI in the treatment of psychogenic ED. All studies included were performed in adults aged 19-55 years and were written in English. Results: A total of 13 articles, with an overall sample of 597 men, were included in this systematic review. The results show that the combination of PI and PDE-5i was more effective than either PI or PDE-5i alone, on erectile function and long-term sexual satisfaction in men with psychogenic ED. Combined interventions were found to be significantly superior to medical treatment in seven studies and to PI alone in one study. In comparing PI to PDE-5i, two studies found PI to be significantly superior to PDE-5i use. In three other studies, PI was found significantly superior to no treatment at all, although some participants in the control group had taken PDE-5i. Conclusions: The combination of PDE-5i with PI shows real promise for the treatment of psychogenic ED. However, no conclusions could be made about what PI is more promising than the other and larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings. Abbreviations: CBT: cognitive behavioural therapy; CBST: cognitive behavioural sex therapy; COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019; ED: erectile dysfunction; EDITS: Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction; GPT, group psychotherapy: IIEF(-EF) (-OS) (-SD): International Index of Erectile Function (erectile functioning) (overall sexual satisfaction) (level of sexual desire); ITP: integrative treatment protocol; MHI: Mental Health Inventory; PDE-5i: phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors; PI, psychological interventions; QoL: quality of life; RCT: randomised controlled trial; SHIM: Sexual Health Inventory for Men.

Exploring the potentials of some compounds from Garcinia kola seeds towards identification of novel PDE-5 inhibitors in erectile dysfunction therapy

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the main challenges occurring among men worldwide, and is characterised by trouble getting or keeping steady erection during sexual intercourse. Various drugs like sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5) are freely available in the pharmacies, though normally associated with several adverse. This study was designed to assess the molecular relations obtainable between catechin, garcinal, garcinoic acid and d-tocotrienol compounds isolated from Garcinia kola and targeted receptor linked to ED. These processes include the molecular docking of catechin, garcinal, garcinoic acid, d-tocotrienol, and sildenafil to receptor: PDE-5 via AutoDock Vina. Following the docking of catechin, garcinal, garcinoic acid and d-tocotrienol with the PDE-5-receptor protein, we observed that all are protein inhibitors with garcinoic acid showing better binding affinity -10.0 kcal/mol with PDE-5 receptor relevant to ED. Hence, the results provided insights into the development of garcinoic acid as a replacement for present ED management, with further analysis worth considering.

The Association Between Periodontitis and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between periodontitis (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED).A systematic review and meta-analysis on data was extracted and conducted according to PRISMA. Relevant articles were selected from a literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL from inception until August 2, 2020. Both randomized and nonrandomized controlled studies were included. Case reports, case series, nonsystematic reviews and trials published as abstract were excluded. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association between PD and the risk of ED. The meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3. Methodological quality assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.Six articles (215008 subjects) were included for analysis. Of the participants, 38,675 cases were compared to 1,76,333 healthy controls. Based on the random effects model, periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of ED (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.70-3.85) as compared with the non-periodontitis individuals. The findings were statistically significant with a p < .0001. The statistical heterogeneity was high across all studies (I2 = 98%, p < .00001). Estimates of total effects were generally consistent with the sensitivity and subgroup analyses.Within the limits of the available evidence, our review and meta-analysis showed that a significant association exists between the PD and ED. The results should be interpreted with caution due to high degree of inconsistency across all the studies.

Preoperative Psychological Evaluation for Patients Referred for Penile Prosthesis Implantation

BACKGROUND

Patients may remain dissatisfied after penile prosthesis implantation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Studies showing the results of standardized protocols for preoperative psychological evaluation are lacking.

PURPOSE

To estimate the rate of patients considered psychologically unfit for penile prosthesis implantation and to compare their characteristics with those considered fit after the implementation of a standardized psychological profile evaluation protocol for men with erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

Cross-sectional evaluation of men referred for penile prosthesis implantation by their urologists, based on organic causes for the erectile dysfunction, including a semi-structured (sexual and relational anamnesis of the patient and their partner, information about expectations about the results of the penile prosthesis implantation and possible complications) and a structured instrument including validated tools for the evaluation of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. These were the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey for quality of life, and the Five-Factor Model (FFM) for behavioral tendencies. After at least 3 interviews, the psychology team rated the patients as fit or unfit for surgery. Unfit patients were those with any of a set of warning signals indicating risk for dissatisfaction even after penile implantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The prevalence of patients considered "unfit for surgery."

RESULTS

The quality of life scores were good, but 27.6% of patients (95% confidence interval, CI: 16.7-40.9%) were unfit for surgery. Being unfit was associated with obesity (P = .027), anxiety and/or depression symptoms (P < .001) and high levels of neuroticism (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative evaluation protocol combining standardized and validated tools shows that more than one-quarter of patients with a medical indication for penile prosthesis implantation were not in good psychological conditions for the surgery. The development of psychological evaluation protocols can help identify patients in need of adequate care before penile implantation. M de Mello Ferreira dos Reis, EA Corrêa Barros, M Pollone, et al. Preoperative Psychological Evaluation for Patients Referred for Penile Prosthesis Implantation. Sex Med 2021;9:100311.

Association of erectile dysfunction with tinnitus: a nationwide population-based study

With many previous studies indicating a higher prevalence of sexual problems in patients with tinnitus, the association between tinnitus and erectile dysfunction (ED) has become an interesting topic that warrants further research. In our study, we hypothesized that tinnitus may be associated with ED and aimed to further explore the relationship between these two medical conditions using a nationwide population-based database. After retrieving data of 19,329 patients with ED and 19,329 propensity score-matched patients without ED (controls) from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Dataset, we defined the diagnosis date (the date of the first ED claim) for patients with ED as the index date for cases, and the date of the first utilization of ambulatory care by patients without ED during the index year of their matched case as the index date for controls. We found that 1247 out of 38,658 sampled patients (3.23%) had received a tinnitus diagnosis within the year before the index date, with 792 (4.10%) from cases and 455 (2.35%) from controls. We then utilized multiple logistic regression analysis and observed that cases were more likely to have had a prior tinnitus diagnosis compared to controls (OR 1.772; 95% CI 1.577–1.992; p < 0.001). Lastly, we adjusted the data for co-morbid medical disorders and social economic factors, with the end results showing that cases were more likely than controls to have a prior diagnosis of tinnitus (OR 1.779, 95% CI 1.582–2.001, p < 0.001). Through our investigation, we have ultimately detected a novel association between ED and tinnitus and urge physicians to be alert to the possibility of the development of ED in patients treated for tinnitus.

Caspase Signaling in ED Patients and Animal Models

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) are ineffective in prostatectomy and diabetic patients due to cavernous nerve (CN) injury, which causes smooth muscle apoptosis, penile remodeling, and ED. Apoptosis can occur via the intrinsic (caspase 9) or extrinsic (caspase 8) pathway.

AIM

We examined the mechanism of how apoptosis occurs in ED patients and CN injury rat models to determine points of intervention for therapy development.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

Immunohistochemical and western analyses for caspase 3-cleaved, caspase-8 and caspase-9 (pro and active forms) were performed in corpora cavernosal tissue from Peyronie's, prostatectomy and diabetic ED patients (n = 33), penis from adult Sprague Dawley rats that underwent CN crush (n = 24), BB/WOR diabetic and control rats (n = 8), and aged rats (n = 9).

RESULTS

Caspase 3-cleaved was observed in corpora cavernosa from Peyronie's patients and at higher abundance in prostatectomy and diabetic tissues. Apoptosis takes place primarily through the extrinsic (caspase 8) pathway in penis tissue of ED patients. In the CN crushed rat, caspase 3-cleaved was abundant from 1-9 days after injury, and apoptosis takes place primarily via the intrinsic (caspase 9) pathway. Caspase 9 was first observed and most abundant in a layer under the tunica, and after several days was observed in the lining of and between the sinuses of the corpora cavernosa. Caspase 8 was initially observed at low abundance in the rat corpora cavernosa and was not observed at later time points after CN injury. Aged and diabetic rat penis primarily exhibited intrinsic mechanisms, with diabetic rats also exhibiting mild extrinsic activation.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Knowing how and when to intervene to prevent the apoptotic response most effectively is critical for the development of drugs to prevent ED, morphological remodeling of the corpora cavernosa, and thus, disease management.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Animal models may diverge from the signaling mechanisms observed in ED patients. While the rat utilizes primarily caspase 9, there is a significant flux through caspase 8 early on, making it a reasonable model, as long as the timing of apoptosis is considered after CN injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptosis takes place primarily through the extrinsic caspase 8 dependent pathway in ED patients and via the intrinsic caspase 9 dependent pathway in commonly used CN crush ED models. This is an important consideration for study design and interpretation that must be taken into account for therapy development and testing of drugs, and our therapeutic targets should ideally inhibit both apoptotic mechanisms. Martin S, Harrington DA, Ohlander S, et al. Caspase Signaling in ED Patients and Animal Models. J Sex Med 2021;18:711-722.

Drug adulteration of sexual enhancement supplements: a worldwide insidious public health threat

Worldwide, the consumption of dietary supplements for the enhancement of sexual performance is common. Consumers are generally fond of these products because they often want to avoid drugs, preferring "natural" than "chemical" solutions. This is challenging, as many of these supplements labelled "herbal" or "natural" are actually adulterated with drugs, mainly phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. This phenomenon is facilitated by fewer demanding regulations for marketing supplements. Thus, consumers may be widely exposed to serious adverse events, such as acute liver injury, kidney failure, pulmonary embolism, stroke or even death. We aim to warn physicians about this issue. This multidisciplinary review simultaneously deals with clinical consequences of this phenomenon, analytical toxicology and regulation. Indeed, after outlining this worldwide issue and highlighting that a drug-adulterated dietary supplement is actually a falsified drug, we discuss its main contributing factors. Then, we describe some examples of adverse events of which a case of sildenafil-tadalafil-induced ischaemic stroke that benefited medical care in our hospital. Furthermore, we present some means to avoid adulteration and discuss their limitations that may be explained by the heterogeneity of the regulation of dietary supplements between countries. Doing so, we point out the requirement of a global harmonization of this regulation for an efficient eradication of this public health threat. Meanwhile, dietary supplements should be considered adulterated until proven otherwise. Thus, we encourage physicians to investigate these products in the drug histories of their patients, especially when clinical conditions cannot be explained by classical aetiologies.

Efficacy and Safety of Avanafil in Chinese Subjects With Erectile Dysfunction: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial

Introduction

The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age in mainland China and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are the major drugs used for its treatment.

Aim

To determine the efficacy and safety of Chinese developed avanafil as therapy for ED in China.

Methods

This phase III trial was carried out in 7 medical centers in China. Eligible subjects suffering from ED were allocated randomly into 3 groups (ratio 1:1:1) and orally received a placebo, 100 or 200 mg avanafil for a total of 12 weeks.

Main outcome measures

The primary endpoint was changes in erectile function (EF) domain scores according to the International Index of EF (IIEF) questionnaire from baseline to week 12 of therapy. Secondary endpoints assessments were changes in the response rates of SEP, Q2 and Q3; changes in IIEF other domain scores. Safety evaluation monitored treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs, laboratory test results, vital signs and electrocardiographs.

Results

Of 218 randomized ED subjects, 182 (83.5%) completed the study. After 12-week therapy, alterations from baseline of the mean IIEF-EF domain scores in the 100 mg and 200 mg groups were greater than for the placebo (all P < .05) group. The changes in mean SEP Q2 response rates from baseline to week 12 in the placebo, 100 mg and 200 mg groups were 5.4%, 22.3% and 22.1%, and SEP Q3 response rate were 22.7%, 42.6% and 38.1%, respectively. Avanafil treatment (regardless of dose) improved EF vs placebo for most of other secondary efficacy endpoints studied (all P < .05). No differences were detected in efficacy endpoints between the 100 and 200 mg dosage groups (all P > .05) or in the incidence of TEAEs and drug-related TEAEs among the 3 groups (all P > .05).

Conclusion

Avanafil (100 or 200 mg) was effective and generally well tolerated in Chinese subjects with ED.

Jiang H, Lin H, Li F, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Avanafil in Chinese Subjects With Erectile Dysfunction: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial. Sex Med 2021;9:100337.

Percutaneous Treatment of Venous Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a defined as recurring inability to achieve and maintain satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse associated with relevant life impairment. The underlying etiologies may be manifold and complex. Currently, vascular etiologies are highly prevalent especially amongst elderly men. Of special interest, especially venogenic causes are of increasing relevance. Therapeutic options comprise risk factor modification, pharmacotherapy, surgical treatment, and endovascular treatment. Especially endovascular treatment options have recently increased in popularity including transcatheter embolization procedures for veno-occlusive dysfunction.

Relationship between the risk factors of cardiovascular disease by testing biochemical markers and young men with erectile dysfunction: a case-control study

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) shares common risk factors with cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipidemia, but the relationship between the risk factors of CVD in biochemical markers and young men with ED age 20–40 years is not fully clarified.

Methods

A total of 289 ED outpatients (20–40 years old) were allocated under ED group, based on patients’ complaints and physical examinations. According to the frequency matching ratio of 1:4, 1,155 male individuals (20–40 years old) without ED were set as control group. All participants were tested for lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), blood glucose (BG), homocysteine (HCY), liver function including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and renal function including uric acid (UA) and creatinine (CR). The study was designed to compare the two groups using an established binary logistic regression analysis model. The ED group was then subdivided into a younger ED group (20–30 years old) and an older ED group (31–40 years old) for further comparisons.

Results

After comparison, no obvious differences were found in medians of age, TC, TG, HDL, HCY, UA, and ALT in the two groups. Median LDL, BG, and CR were significantly higher and AST was much lower in the ED group (P<0.01). In binary logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) for LDL, BG, CR, and AST were 1.279, 1.237, 1.026, and 0.978, respectively. The sensitivity value and specificity value were 43.25% and 72.56%, respectively. The medians of LDL, TG, and TC were higher and HDL was much lower in the older ED group, as compared with the younger group (P<0.05). No significant differences were displayed in medians of other biochemical markers in the above comparisons.

Conclusions

Elevated LDL, BG, and CR were related factors of ED in young men. Lipid profile was significantly different between young men with ED aged 20–30 and 31–40 years.