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Erectile dysfunction in the cardiology practice-a patients' perspective
Melianthe P J Nicolai1, Joyce van Bavel1, G Aernout Somsen2
1Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Insights
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in cardiovascular patients. Men with ED desire improved sexual health care, including discussions with cardiologists, specialized nurses, and written information for better sexual function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sexual Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events, sharing common risk factors with coronary artery disease.
- Current guidelines recommend cardiologists inquire about erectile function, but male patients' specific needs for sexual healthcare in cardiology remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify male patients' perspectives on improving sexual health care within cardiology practices.
- To determine preferred methods of sexual counseling for men with cardiovascular conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multicentered survey study was conducted.
- Randomly selected males visiting a cardiologist were included as respondents.
Main Results:
- Of 296 eligible respondents (mean age 62.9 years), 56% had ED, with prevalence reaching 86% in heart failure patients.
- Most patients (88%) felt comfortable discussing sexual health with cardiologists. 46% of men with ED desired conversations about improving sexual function, 55% favored consultations with a specialized nurse, and 58% preferred written information.
Conclusions:
- Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent across various cardiovascular diagnoses, necessitating dedicated sexual function care.
- Patients indicated that consultations with specialized nurses and access to written information are valuable adjuncts to cardiologist consultations for managing sexual health.
Background:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events sharing mutual risk factors with coronary artery disease. Several guidelines for the management of ED in cardiovascular disease have been proposed, recommending cardiologists to routinely inquire about erectile function. However, males' specific needs and wishes regarding sexual health care in cardiology are unknown. We sought to identify male patients' view concerning possible improvements in sexual health care and preferred forms of sexual counseling in the cardiology practice.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional multicentered survey study among randomly selected males visiting a cardiologist.
Results:
Of 388 respondents, 296 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. Mean age of respondents was 62.9 years. Overall, 56% (n = 165) had ED, with up to 86% in patients with heart failure. Mean bother experienced due to ED was 5.93 (±2.57) on a 0 to 10 scale. Most respondents indicated to feel comfortable discussing sexual health with the cardiologists (88%). Of men with ED (n = 165), 46% would like to have a conversation with the cardiologist about possibilities to improve sexual function, 55% would be helped if questions could be asked during consultation with a specialized nurse, and 58% would appreciate written information. Of all respondents (n = 296), 28% ever tried a phosphodiesterase inhibitor; 4% received the prescription of the cardiologists.
Conclusions:
Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with a variety of cardiovascular diagnosis and care for sexual function is mandatory. Patients indicated that above consultation with the cardiologist, both consultation with a specialized nurse and written information would be helpful.
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