女性伴侣在勃起功能障碍的诊治中的重要地位

女性伴侣在勃起功能障碍(erectile dysfunction,ED)中的地位日益受到重视。女性伴侣的性体验受到ED的严重不良影响,而她们对ED这个问题所采取的态度会直接影响男性患者寻求和坚持治疗的行为。因此在ED治疗的临床实践中,应同时考虑女性伴侣的作用。研究表明,伐地那非不仅可有效提高男性患者的勃起功能,还能显著改善女性伴侣的性生活质量,是ED伴侣双方的理想解决方案。     

Erectile dysfunction in a primary care setting: results of an observational, no-control-group, prospective study with sildenafil under routine conditions of use

In order to assess the effectiveness of sildenafil under routine conditions of use in primary care settings and to evaluate its impact on patient's life satisfaction and partner's satisfaction with treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), an open, multicentre, observational, prospective study was designed in which 2816 patients were treated with sildenafil for at least 10 weeks. Effectiveness was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF), life satisfaction was measured with 'Life-satisfaction Check List' (LISAT 8), and EDITS was optionally used to assess the partner's satisfaction with ED therapy. Sildenafil was effective in 86.6% of patients. All dimensions of IIEF significantly increased with sildenafil, particularly erectile domain which overall sample mean score improved was 13.2 points (P < 0.001). The greatest increases in satisfaction with all aspects of life were seen in sex life and relationship with partner dimensions. The patients' partners, answered by a minority of partners, were highly satisfied with the treatment and its rapid action, therefore they were in favour of continuing with same. The adverse events occurring were similar to those seen in clinical research on sildenafil in the premarketing phase. No control group was included in this study.     

从更好的勃起到更好的性生活:万艾可研究进展

万艾可(枸橼酸西地那非)起效快,使患者达到和维持坚硬的勃起,已被证实为首选的勃起功能障碍(ED)治疗药物。近年来,有关万艾可疗效的研究越来越多地关注其对整体性生活的改善,即对患者心理因素的影响。通过应用心理学评价工具,如勃起功能障碍治疗满意度量表、自尊心和性关系问卷、勃起功能障碍心理影响评分等,研究发现万艾可显著改善以下心理性因素:ED患者及其伴侣对性交和性关系的满意度、患者的自信心和自尊心、与伴侣亲近和进行性交的欲望等。服用万艾可的ED患者性交尝试次数显著增加,健康相关的生活质量显著提高。因此,万艾可产生更好的勃起,进一步促进更好的性生活良性循环。     

复方玄驹胶囊联合万艾可治疗万艾可渐进性失效勃起功能障碍的临床观察

目的:探讨复方玄驹胶囊联合万艾可治疗万艾可渐进性失效勃起功能障碍(ED)的临床疗效。方法:将符合万艾可渐进性失效ED诊断标准的36例患者随机分成两组,每组各18例。其中治疗组给予复方玄驹胶囊(口服,2粒/次,3次/日)和万艾可50 mg(性生活前1 h口服)口服;对照组单纯口服万艾可100 mg(性生活前1 h口服)。两组性生活频率1～2次/周,观察期2个月,对用药前后患者国际勃起功能评分(IIEF-5)及TSS伴侣评分进行对比分析。结果:两组每次使用万艾可对勃起功能改善的有效率比较,治疗组总有效率94.44%,对照组88.89%,两组对比差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。IIEF-5评分治疗组治疗前后分别为(13.166 7±3.601 5)和(20.888 9±3.833 1),而对照组治疗前后分别为(13.055 6±2775 4)和(18.777 8±4.008 2),每组治疗前后对比差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);治疗后两组IIEF-5评分及TSS伴侣评分比较,治疗组的效果均比对照组好,且差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:复方玄驹胶囊联合万艾可治疗万艾可渐进性失效ED疗效显著。     

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Nigerian men

Fifty-eight Nigerian outpatients with documented erectile dysfunction (ED) received open-label sildenafil citrate (Viagra) for 8 weeks. The 50-mg starting dose could be adjusted to 100 or 25 mg based on response and tolerability. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire, a global efficacy question, and intercourse data recorded in a patient event log were used to assess efficacy. Frequency of penetration and maintained erection were both significantly enhanced (P<0.0001); 95% of patients reported improved erections and 81% of all attempts at intercourse were successful. Orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction also improved significantly (P&<0.0001). The most frequent adverse events (all-cause) were headache (17%) and myalgia (3%); only one patient discontinued treatment because of headache, which was considered unrelated to sildenafil. Oral sildenafil significantly improved erectile function and was well tolerated in this trial of Nigerian men suffering from ED. Our results are consistent with reports from other countries.     

枸橼酸西地那非治疗男性肾移植受者勃起功能障碍

目的 :评价枸橼酸西地那非治疗肾移植术后勃起功能障碍 (ED)的有效性和安全性。　方法 :随机选择 2 6～ 5 0岁、术后 6月以上及血肌酐 133μmol/L以下的已婚男性肾移植受者 170例 ,对他们肾移植术后的性功能状况行国际勃起功能指数 5 (IIEF 5 )评分 ,存在ED者首先进行心理治疗 3个月 ,无效者用枸橼酸西地那非治疗 6个月 ,对他们的性生活情况进行随访并作出评分。　结果 :170例肾移植受者中 ,5 3例存在经心理治疗无效的ED ,枸橼酸西地那非治疗半年后IIEF 5评分中的各项参数均明显改善 ,对血肌酐、环孢素A谷值浓度无影响 ,不良反应轻微且短暂。　结论 :枸橼酸西地那非治疗肾移植术后ED安全、有效。     

Female sexual dysfunction, voiding symptoms and depression: common findings in partners of men with erectile dysfunction

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), urinary symptoms, and depressive symptoms in female partners of men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED). A multi-component questionnaire was administered to female partners of men with erectile dysfunction presenting to a urology center. It contained a standardized sexual function component (the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women), a depression scale (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, CES-D), a demographics questionnaire and a general medical questionnaire. A total of 73 consecutive female partners of male patients presenting with ED, were surveyed using the questionnaire at their counterpart’s visit. Fifty-two women responded, of whom 50 filled out the questionnaire adequately for proper evaluation. This indicated a response rate of 68% (50/73). The mean age was 44.8 years (range 20.0–83.0). Thirty-eight of the 50 women (76%) reported being sexually active. A variety of sexual behaviors were reported including 40% (20/50) of women engaging in vaginal intercourse. Sexual dysfunction symptoms included: anxiety/inhibition (26%), hypoactive desire (20%), arousal/lubrication difficulty (30%), orgasmic difficulty (24%), dyspareunia (18%), incontinence during intercourse (8%), and sexual dissatisfaction (34%). Eight women (16%) reported difficulty communicating sexual issues with their partners. Forty-one women (82%) rated sexual activity as an important part of their lives. Urinary symptoms of frequency and urgency were reported by 18/50 (36%). Depressive symptoms were present in 22/50 (44%). FSD disorders, urinary symptoms and depressive symptoms are common in partners of men with erectile dysfunction.     

Efficacy and safety of flexible-dose oral sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Brazilian and Mexican men

A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of flexible-dose sildenafil citrate (Viagra) treatment (25, 50 or 100 mg) in Brazilian and Mexican men with erectile dysfunction (ED) of broad-spectrum etiology. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of responses to the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, completed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. At end point, mean scores for all IIEF domains of sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) were significantly (P<0.0001) higher in the sildenafil group (n=109) than in the placebo group (n=105). These findings confirm the significant increases in frequency of penetration and frequency of maintained erections reported previously. Sildenafil treatment was well tolerated. The most common adverse events were headache and flushing. In conclusion, sildenafil is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for ED of broad-spectrum etiology in Latin American men.     

应用新的治疗满意度量表来评估ED患者及其性伴侣对伐地那非治疗的满意度

治疗满意度量表(TSS)是为评估男性勃起功能障碍(ED)患者及其性伴侣对ED治疗的满意度而制订的一个新量表。该自我报告式的调查问卷由四大部分组成:未治疗期的患者,治疗期的患者,未治疗期患者的性伴侣,以及治疗期患者的性伴侣。对以下6个方面进行评估:自信心、勃起的容易度、对勃起功能的满意度、性快感、对性高潮的满意度以及治疗满意度。TSS量表已经过多国有效性检验和心理学测验,被证明能可靠评价患者及其伴侣对ED治疗的满意度。在最近完成的一项双盲、多中心、平行组、灵活剂量的临床试验中,应用这个新的TSS量表比较了ED患者及其伴侣对伐地那非和安慰剂治疗的满意度。结果发现,伐地那非能显着改善勃起功能以及ED患者和伴侣的自信心、感知到的勃起容易度、性快感、对勃起功能、高潮和药物治疗的满意度。     

Sildenafil versus continuous positive airway pressure for erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnea： a comparat-ive study of their efficacy and safety and the patient＇s satisfaction with treatment

Aim： To assess the efficacy of sildenafil and continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） in the treatment of concurrent erectile dysfunction （ED） with obstructive sleep apnea （OSA）, and to gauge the level of treatment satisfaction in patients and their partners. Methods： Forty men were treated for 12 weeks with sildenafil 100 mg （20 men） or CPAP during nighttime sleep （20 men）. Treatment efficacy was assessed by the rate of successful intercourse attempts, and satisfaction with treatment was assessed by patients＇ and partners＇ answers to question 1 of the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction. Results： Under sildenafil, 128 of 249 （51.4%） intercourse attempts were successful; under CPAP, 51 of 193 （26.9%） attempts were successful （^cp 〈 0.001）. Erectile function was improved in both groups. After sildenafil and CPAP treatment, the mean International Index for Erectile Function domain scores were 14.3 and 10.8, respectively （^bp = 0.025）, compared to 7.8 and 7 at baseline, respectively. CPAP and sildenafil were well tolerated. Sporadic episodes of nasal dryness under CPAP and transient headache and flushing under sildenafil were not significant. Fifty percent of patients treated with sildenafil and 25% with CPAP were satisfied with the treatment, and their partners were equally satisfied. The satisfaction scores for both patients and partners under sildenafil were superior to those under CPAP （^cP 〈 0.002）. Conclusion： Both sildenafil 100 mg and CPAP, used separately, had positive therapeutic impact but sildenafil was superior. Patients and their partners were more satisfied with sildenafil for the treatment of ED. However, because of the high proportion of dissatisfied men and partners, new therapeutic agents or a combination of the two methods must be studied further.     

阴茎负压吸引治疗PDE5i无效型勃起功能障碍疗效分析(附70例报告)

目的:探讨使用Osbon助勃器阴茎负压治疗磷酸二酯酶抑制剂-5(PDE-5i)无效型勃起功能障碍(ED)患者的有效性和安全性。方法:收集口服PDE-5i无效ED患者70例,年龄25～66(38.9±9.1)岁,指导患者使用Osbon助勃器(美国Timm Medical公司)负压锻炼1个月;负压锻炼结束后,使用紧缩张力环进行性生活治疗,比较负压治疗前和治疗后3个月IIEF-5评分变化,以及患者和性伴侣的满意度,评价负压应用的安全性和有效性。结果:PDE-5i治疗无效的ED患者负压治疗后3个月IIEF-5评分较负压治疗前有显著提高(P<0.05),IIEF-5评分由治疗前(10.2±4.0)分上升到(13.3±4.7)分。负压治疗口服PDE-5i无效ED患者的有效率77.1%(54/70)。负压治疗后PDE-5i无效ED患者及性伴侣性生活满意率分别为64.3%(45/70)和65.7%(46/70)。结论:PDE-5i治疗无效型ED患者行阴茎负压治疗,可显著改善患者勃起功能及夫妻双方性生活满意率,值得临床应用。     

西地那非治疗合并勃起功能障碍的早泄病人的临床观察

目的 :评价枸橼酸西地那非对合并勃起功能障碍 (ED)的早泄病人的临床疗效和安全性。　方法 :45例诊断为合并ED早泄病人 ,以西地那非片可调整用药方案治疗 1～ 3个月。以阴道内射精潜伏期及配偶性交满意度来评价早泄治疗效果 ,并评估ED的总体疗效和治疗满意度 ,比较治疗前后的国际勃起功能指数评分 5 (IIEF 5 )。　结果 :早泄改善者共 2 7例 ,有效率为 6 0 %。勃起功能改善者共 40例 ,改善率为 88.88%。 2 7例早泄有效者均为 5 0mg西地那非改善了勃起功能的病人 ,且满意率为81.48%;18例早泄无效者中ED治疗满意率仅为 5 .5 6 %。在早泄有效者和无效者间比较其治疗前、后IIEF 5评分及增加值 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1)。不良反应共 9例(2 0 %) ,均为轻度或中度 ,未经特殊处理即自行缓解。　结论 :对合并ED的早泄病人 ,枸橼酸西地那非片能安全有效地改善其勃起功能 ,如获得满意疗效多能使病人早泄得到改善。     

Efficacy, safety and predictive factors of therapeutic success with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction in patients with different spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, open, prospective, before-after study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury, and the association between the response to sildenafil and factors such as causes and levels of spinal cord injury, grade of ASIA deficit, time since injury, orgasmic perception, and degree of baseline erection. SETTING: Homes of outpatients of 16 spinal cord injury units in Spain. METHOD: One hundred and seventy patients with erectile dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury, from whom baseline data were collected on their sexual function, and who started treatment with sildenafil 50 mg. An efficacy assessment was made by the patient and his partner, and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was recorded. RESULTS: It was reported by 88.2% of the patients and 85.3% of their partners that treatment with sildenafil had improved their erections, regardless of the baseline characteristics of the spinal cord injury and erectile function. In responders, this improvement was confirmed by an increase from 12.5 to 24.8 points (P<0.001) of the Erectile Function Domain of IIEF. A significant improvement was also seen in patients' satisfaction with sexual activity and general satisfaction derived from sexual life. Preservation of orgasmic perception and a baseline degree of erection of 3 or 4 (P=0.006) were predictors of therapeutic success. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury, regardless of the cause, neurological level, ASIA grade, and time since injury. SPONSORSHIP: Spanish Society of Paraplegia.     

Success of sildenafil treatment in neurogenic female sexual dysfunction caused by L5-S1 intervertebral disk rupture: A case report

Female sexual dysfunction can be founded by disorders of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain. Physiologic sexual dysfunction can, in many cases, be the result of impaired neurovascular tone to the clitoris and vagina. The vagina and clitoris both contain erectile tissue and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Accordingly, the use of sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, has been studied in relation to neurogenic female sexual dysfunction. The present case report addresses neurogenic female sexual dysfunction from the result of a ruptured L5-S1 intervertebral disk. The patient was treated with sildenafil, and her symptoms were recorded using a Female Sexual Function Index score. Discussion of the use of sildenafil in women, with an emphasis on female neurovascular sexual physiology and function, is reviewed.     

Early conceptual and linguistic development of a patient and partner treatment satisfaction scale (TSS) for erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To describe the early development of a pluri-language self-report questionnaire to assess male patients and their female partners' satisfaction with drug treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: This first development phase proceeded in several parts. Item generation followed literature review, hypothesized characteristics of the drug and in-depth interviews with patients and their partners. Perceptions and feelings related to ED and patients' expectations of treatment were explored. Items were generated simultaneously in 5 languages (American English, Canadian French, English, French and German). Content and face validity were empirically assessed by interviews with a few patients and partners in each country. Conceptual equivalence between languages was ascertained. RESULTS: The final content domains included satisfaction with: sexual spontaneity, quality of erection, quality of ejaculation, sexual pleasure, orgasm, confidence, reliability of treatment, side effects, convenience, overall satisfaction, conformity to treatment expectations and intent to continue use of drug. Cognitive debriefing with patients and partners found few issues with comprehension, however some words were considered problematic. The simultaneous development for the different languages allowed adaptation of the content at this stage and ensured consistency of all language versions. The final questionnaire consisted of 4 modules: unmedicated patient, medicated patient, unmedicated partner, and medicated partner modules. The questionnaire was then linguistically validated into 15 additional languages for further psychometric validation. CONCLUSIONS: The Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) is a multi-facetted measure of patients' and partners' satisfaction with their sexual life relating to erectile dysfunction and intended for prospective use. Its simultaneous development for a variety of countries and languages has fostered true item equivalence across language versions. However, further work is needed to validate the TSS psychometrically, including identification of domains, test responsiveness and determination of appropriate scoring prior to its clinical use.     

The utility of sildenafil citrate for infertile men with sexual dysfunction: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use the sildenafil citrate, recognized as a first-line therapy for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), and which is safe and effective in men with various causes and severity of ED, including psychogenic ED, in a population of infertile men with sexual dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infertility is a major source of life stress and might be associated with sexual dysfunction through the erosion of self-esteem and self-confidence, and in stimulating discord in a relationship. Men presenting for evaluation of fertility who on questioning by the physician reported the recent onset of sexual dysfunction, had a history taken, a physical examination, hormonal profile, and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a validated inventory for assessing sexual dysfunction. Thirty men with a score of <26 on the erectile function domain of the IIEF, or who complained of new onset rapid or delayed ejaculation, were treated with sildenafil with no randomization or placebo control. The evaluation was repeated and the IIEF completed again > or =3 months after starting treatment. RESULTS: For men complaining of ED, subjective erectile rigidity, duration of erection, and the percentage of successful penetration attempts significantly improved with sildenafil. The mean (sd) IIEF domain scores for erection and satisfaction, at 18 (4) vs 27 (3), and 12 (2) vs 16 (3) (both P = 0.01), and orgasm, at 4 (1) vs 6 (3) (P = 0.001), respectively, significantly improved after treatment. In patients with ejaculatory dysfunction, the function improved in 64% after sildenafil therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the nature of sexual dysfunction associated with male-factor infertility, and showed the efficacy of sildenafil therapy in men with this condition.     

Long-term efficacy and safety of oral Viagra (sildenafil citrate) in men with erectile dysfunction and the effect of randomised treatment withdrawal

The long-term efficacy and safety of oral Viagra (sildenafil citrate), a selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, and the effect of withdrawing treatment were evaluated in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). In 233 men with ED of psychogenic or mixed organic/psychogenic aetiology, 16 weeks of open-label, flexible-dose sildenafil treatment (10-100 mg) was followed by eight weeks of double-blind, fixed-dose, randomised withdrawal to placebo or continued treatment with sildenafil. Sildenafil was taken as needed (not more than once daily) approximately 1 h prior to sexual activity. The main outcome measures were a global efficacy question, a sexual function questionnaire, an event log of erections, and adverse event recording. In the open-label phase, 200 of 216 patients (93%) reported improved erections with sildenafil; 28 patients (12%) discontinued treatment. In the double-blind phase, the significant improvements in the frequency and duration of erections were maintained in the sildenafil group but returned to pre-treatment values in patients on placebo (P values < 0.0001 versus placebo). The most frequent adverse events in the sildenafil group during the double-blind phase were flushing (7%), headache (6%), and dyspepsia (5%). Of the 192 patients enrolled in the 1-y extension, 90% completed the study; only two patients (1%) were withdrawn due to lack of efficacy. In men with ED of psychogenic or mixed aetiology, oral sildenafil is effective and well-tolerated both at the initiation of therapy and during long-term treatment. For most patients, sildenafil treatment must be continued for improvements in erectile function to be maintained.     

Efficacy, safety and patient acceptance of sildenafil citrate as treatment for erectile dysfunction

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate as treatment for erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 433 completely evaluated men with chronic erectile dysfunction were treated with sildenafil citrate. Response was assessed prospectively by baseline and followup physician interviews, and by a patient self-administered 15-item questionnaire on the domains of patient treatment response and satisfaction, partner treatment satisfaction, comparative previous treatment satisfaction, adverse effects, and patient and partner quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 304 men (70.2%) who completed the questionnaire 278 received sildenafil, including 186 who previously had undergone treatment for erectile dysfunction, principally involving intracavernous injection therapy. A response was elicited by a median dose of 100 mg. in 188 patients (67.6%) who achieved erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Those with psychogenic erectile dysfunction responded significantly better than those with organic dysfunction (p <0.001). Erection suitable for intercourse was attained by 30.8% of patients with erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy and 80% with cavernous veno-occlusive dysfunction. Of previous intracavernous injection responders 29.9% were refractory to sildenafil, while 33. 3% of previous intracavernous injection nonresponders responded to sildenafil. The sildenafil response was considered inferior to the intracavernous injection response by 43.6% of the men who previously responded to intracavernous injection, of whom 51.5% continued to receive intracavernous injection as the only treatment (19.5%) or as an alternative to sildenafil (32%). Adverse effects in 53.6% of cases were assessed as mild in 56.4%, moderate in 38.3% and severe in 5.3%. Multiple adverse effects were reported by 62.4% of patients, while 17 (6.1%) discontinued sildenafil as a direct result of intolerable adverse effects. The most common adverse effects were facial flushing in 33.5% of cases, headaches in 23.4%, nasal congestion in 12.6%, dyspepsia in 10.1% and dizziness in 10.8%. Baseline patient and partner quality of life scores significantly improved after sildenafil treatment (p <0.001), while significantly improved quality of life was noticed by 51.5% and 43.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil citrate is effective oral first line treatment for erectile dysfunction. Although more than 50% of men reported adverse effects, most were considered mild and rarely resulted in treatment cessation. There was a trend in those on intracavernous injection who responded to sildenafil to continue intracavernous injection as the only therapy or as an alternative to sildenafil. Also, we noted that some cases refractory to sildenafil responded to intracavernous injection. These findings imply that intracavernous injection remains an effective erectile dysfunction treatment option.     

Efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in hemodialysis patients

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more frequent among end-stage renal failure patients than the normal population. Sildenafil citrate has been successfully used for the symptomatic treatment of erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of ED in patients on hemodialysis. Fifty-five hemodialysis patients above 18 years suffering from ED with steady sexual partners were included in the study. The first five and fifteenth questions of the International Index of Erectile Function were employed to evaluate ED in the patient group. A Single 50-mg sildenafil citrate tablet was prescribed for each patient. The patients were encouraged to take it on the day after hemodialysis and 1 hour before sexual intercourse. The erectile function of the patients after the treatment was re-evaluated in the same manner by International Index of Erectile Function. The ages of the patients ranged between 30 and 73 years (mean 50.6 +/- 10.9). The overall response rate was 74.5% (38/51). Side effects were nausea (n = 2), palpitation (n = 2), flushing (n = 1), and angina (n = 1). Sildenafil citrate (50 mg) was observed to be safe and effective for treatment of hemodialysis patients with careful evaluation and proper patient selection.     

The sexual habits of British men and women over 40 years old

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a greater understanding of sexual behaviour and habits among men with and without erectile dysfunction (ED), and their female partners, to improve the management of ED in heterosexual men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A population-based study was conducted amongst men and women aged > 40 years. None of the subjects were partners in the same sexual relationship. Interviews were conducted on the Internet via a panel-based questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 225 (32%) men had self-reported ED and 88 (26%) women reported that their partner had ED. For all men (with or without ED) the mean time from first thinking of intercourse to beginning intercourse was just under 1 h. During their most recent period of sexual activity, 87% of men with and 78% of men without ED had intercourse with ejaculation at most once within 24 h; 81% of men and 89% of women felt that it was neither very nor extremely important to have intercourse with ejaculation more than once in a 24-h period. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports for the first time the frequency of sexual activity in British men and women in heterosexual relationships, and describes the usual timings of sexual events. Few significant differences were identified between men with or with no ED.