Improvement of associated symptoms using combined therapy in 44 patients with sleep-related painful erection during...

The current study was aimed at analysing the clinical features and efficacy of combined treatments in patients with sleep-related painful erection (SRPE). Patients who presented with SRPE were continuously enrolled from the outpatient clinic of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2015 to 2021. Demographic data, medical history, diagnostics, treatment options and their effectiveness on SRPE in the short and long therapeutic term were recorded. Individually designed combined therapy aimed at controlling SRPE-related symptoms and comorbidities (general health, pain, psychological and sleeping disorders, late-onset hypogonadism, and lower urinary tract symptoms) was used, and the effectiveness was evaluated. In total, 44 patients with an average age of 44.66 ± 7.96 years were enrolled. The median length of the delay in diagnosis was 1.5 years (range, 1 month to 27 years). Combined treatment aimed at controlling symptoms was used, the mean GAD-7, PHQ-9, PSQI and VAS scores were significantly decreased to 4.25 ± 3.44, 4.55 ± 2.86, 7.65 ± 3.06, and 2.90 ± 1.89 after treatment for 3 months. Moreover, the VAS ratings were significantly decreased at 1 year of follow-up (p < 0.001). SRPE mainly occurred in middle aged males, 79.55% (35/44) patients were more than 40 years old. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, poor sleep and nocturia is high in patients with SRPE. Combined treatments aimed at controlling these symptoms can be more effective.