Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Isolation of Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: December 28, 2021
Drug prescription for erectile dysfunction before and after diagnosis of localized prostate cancer
Anna Plym1, Yasin Folkvaljon, Hans Garmo
1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Introduction:
Despite the high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with prostate cancer, little is known about the use of ED drugs. Also, the possible influence of socioeconomic factors on ED drug use has not been studied previously.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to examine determinants and patterns of ED drug use before and after diagnosis in men with localized prostate cancer.
Methods:
Using a nationwide population-based cohort, 25,390 men with localized prostate cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2009 and 126,944 control men were identified and followed for filled ED drug prescriptions over a 3-year period, ranging from 1 year before and up to 2 years after diagnosis.
Main Outcome Measures:
The main outcome measure was the proportion of men with at least one filled ED drug prescription after diagnosis.
Results:
The number of men using ED drugs increased markedly following diagnosis. Men who underwent radical prostatectomy had the strongest increase, with a cumulative proportion of 74% for at least one filled prescription within the first 2 years after diagnosis. The corresponding proportion was 33% in men treated with radiotherapy, 21% in men on active surveillance, 10% in men on watchful waiting, and 8% in control men. Among men who underwent prostatectomy, usage attenuated over time. Determinants of postdiagnostic use were young age at diagnosis, high income, high education, and a low- or intermediate-risk cancer.
Conclusion:
Although drugs for ED are commonly prescribed after diagnosis, use among most men is transient and influenced by socioeconomic status. Posttreatment counseling and affordable ED drugs are likely to reduce treatment dropout and disparities in use and help improve sexual health and quality of life in men with prostate cancer.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
01:28Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
01:08Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:17Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...