Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
The impact of oral ED medication on female partners' relationship satisfaction
Marita P McCabe1, Elodie J O'Connor, John V Conaglen
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. marita.mccabe@deakin.edu.au
Introduction:
Research has demonstrated that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a couple's problem, and that treatment for this condition is likely to impact on the man and his partner.
Aim:
The current study utilized a qualitative approach to evaluate the impact of treatment for ED on the female partner's perception of changes in the relationship.
Main Outcome Measures:
Analyses of the transcripts from the interviews.
Methods:
In total, 96 men were treated for ED using tadalafil and then sildenafil (or vice versa) each for 3 months. Their female partners were interviewed 3 months after the commencement of treatment.
Results:
The findings demonstrated an overall positive effect of the treatment. Female partners perceived improvements in emotional closeness, and communication, and reported that their relationship was more loving, less stressful, and more stable.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the positive effects of treatment for ED on the female partner; in particular, on her perception of the quality of her relationship.
Related Concept Videos
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Presystemic Elimination
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Drug pKa, Lipophilicity and GI pH
A drug's pKa and the pH of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract play crucial roles in drug...
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview