Large-scale questionnaire survey of erectile dysfunction drugs in Japanese men

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the assessment of currently prescribed drugs and approaches to overall erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy. Methods:  A large-scale questionnaire survey was conducted in patients with ED who had taken an ED drug in the past 2 months. Results:  Of the 308 patients surveyed, 23% became aware of having ED more than 3 years ago. In the early stages, the patients frequently experienced 'anxiety and a sense of loss' and 'irritation and powerlessness'. The ED drugs taken were sildenafil and vardenafil in 65 and 31% of the patients, respectively. Although their efficacy was generally high, approximately 80% of the patients (younger patients in particular) experienced some problems with these medications. As negative assessments, the difficulty in finding a good time to take the drug and the strange sensation of the drug forcing the patient to have an erection were pointed out. Conclusion:  Use of an ED drug such as tadalafil, which produces long-lasting effects and allows more spontaneity in sexual activity, will improve ED symptoms in a favorable manner, and will not only improve the self-image of the ED patients, leading to activation and fulfillment of their lives as a whole, but will also enhance the satisfaction and security of their partners. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 105-114).