Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients

Penile Erection Morphometry: The Need for a Novel Approach

For many males, sexual function holds significant value in determining their quality of life. Despite the importance of male erectile function, no quantitative method to measure it accurately is currently available. Standardized assessment methods such as RigiScan™, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the stamp test are used to evaluate sexual function, but those methods cannot repetitively and quantitatively measure erectile function. Only direct measurement can quantitatively assess the shape of an erect penis. This paper presents the essential requirements for developing an ideal measurement method for penile erection. It also introduces current approaches for diagnosing male sexual function and reviews ongoing research to quantitatively measure erectile function. The paper further summarizes and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each method with respect to the essential requirements. Finally, the paper discusses the future direction toward the development of Penile Erection Morphometry.

Effects of chronic type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibition on penile microvascular reactivity in hypertensive patients with erectile dysfunction: a randomized crossover placebo-controlled trial

This randomized crossover and placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of daily use of sildenafil citrate (SIL, 1-month 50 mg twice daily) on penile and systemic endothelial microvascular function in hypertensive patients presenting with erectile dysfunction. The effects of SIL on arterial pressure were evaluated using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Fifty patients diagnosed with primary arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction (aged 57.4 ± 5.6 years), recruited in a tertiary public hospital, were treated with SIL (50 mg twice daily) or placebo (PLA) for two 30-day periods with a 30-day washout between them. Laser speckle contrast imaging coupled with acetylcholine skin iontophoresis was used to evaluate penile and systemic (forearm) cutaneous microvascular reactivity. SIL treatment increased penile basal microvascular flow (P = 0.002) and maximal endothelial-dependent peak response to skin iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh, P = 0.006). The area under the curve of microvascular vasodilation induced by ACh was also significantly increased (P = 0.02). Lastly, SIL treatment did not modify systemic microvascular reactivity. Twenty-four-hour ABPM (P = 0.0002) and daytime (P = 0.002) and nighttime (P = 0.001) mean diastolic blood pressure values were significantly reduced after SIL treatment. The scores of the Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (P < 0.0001) and the number of patients with positive responses to Sexual Encounter Profile question 3 (P < 0.0001) also increased after SIL treatment. Penile endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity improved after continuous use of sildenafil in hypertensive patients with erectile dysfunction; the treatment also reduced blood pressure, suggesting that, in addition to improving erectile function, daily use of sildenafil could improve blood pressure control.

Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Associated Factors in Korean Older Adults With Coronary Artery Disease

The current study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) among 161 Korean adults 60 and older with coronary artery disease (CAD). ED was diagnosed in 72.2% of patients-the prevalence of which was significantly associated with age, education, employment, monthly income, frequency of sexual intercourse, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was lower in patients with ED than in those without ED (p < 0.001). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that ED significantly influenced HRQoL in patients with CAD after adjusting for sociodemographic and disease-related characteristic variables (p < 0.001). Interventions and training courses for health care providers should focus on improving caregivers' knowledge and communication skills with patients and spouses regarding sexual health. Furthermore, guidelines to improve HRQoL in patients with CAD should consider incorporating sexual counseling. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(10), 32-41.].