Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal injections for Erectile Dysfunction: A Retrospective Analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Men's Health
• Pharmacotherapy

Background:

• Intracavernosal injections are a key treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Patient adherence is crucial for successful ED treatment outcomes.
• Factors influencing adherence to intracavernosal injections remain largely unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key factors associated with patient compliance and treatment continuation for intracavernosal injections in men with ED.
• To analyze demographic and clinical variables impacting the duration of intracavernosal injection therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 4,072 patients prescribed intracavernosal injections (2017-2022).
• Calculated duration of therapy using prescription refill data.
• Employed Cox Proportional Hazards Regression to assess predictors of treatment discontinuation.

Main Results:

• Increased age significantly predicted discontinuation (HR 1.007 per year, p<0.001).
• Spanish language preference was associated with higher discontinuation rates (HR 1.163, p=0.004).
• History of prostate cancer treatment reduced therapy duration by an average of 80 days (p=0.002).

Conclusions:

• Older age, prior prostate cancer treatment, and Spanish language preference are associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for ED.
• These findings highlight the need for tailored patient selection and counseling strategies.
• Understanding these factors can optimize treatment adherence and outcomes for men with erectile dysfunction.