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04:22
Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction
Ian Eardley1, Craig Donatucci, Jackie Corbin
1Department of Urology, St. James University Hospital, Leeds, UK. ian.eardley@btinternet.com
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|January 23, 2010
Summary
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are effective, safe, and well-tolerated first-line treatments for erectile dysfunction. Other therapies like alprostadil injections are also effective options for men with erectile dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacology
- Men's Health
Background:
- Pharmacotherapy is the standard initial treatment for most men experiencing erectile dysfunction.
- Current data focuses on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of available drug treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing literature on pharmacotherapeutic agents for erectile dysfunction.
- To provide expert recommendations based on evidence-based grading and committee consensus.
Main Methods:
- A committee of eight experts conducted a critical literature review.
- Recommendations were formulated through evidence grading, internal dialogue, and open debate.
Main Results:
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) are first-line therapies with proven efficacy and safety.
- Intracavernosal alprostadil is a recommended second-line treatment, superior to intraurethral alprostadil.
- No significant differences in efficacy or safety were found between PDE5 inhibitors and apomorphine.
Conclusions:
- PDE5 inhibitors represent effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatments for erectile dysfunction.
- Apomorphine, intracavernosal, and intraurethral alprostadil are also effective and well-tolerated options.
- Standardization of psychosocial outcome assessments in clinical trials is recommended.
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