Outcome measures for erectile dysfunction. 1: Literature review

This article describes and evaluates critically the outcome measures available for the assessment of the conservative treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The literature review identified 26 outcome measures. Of these, 14 were subjective and 12 were objective. Objective measures can provide more accurate information. However, owing to the sensitive nature of the problem, questionnaires which are reliable and sensitive to change can provide valuable data. Different outcome measures were needed for each of the separate components of ED. These components were found to be rigidity, vascular flow, nerve conductivity, intracavemosal pressure, ischiocavernosus muscle power, partner satisfaction and quality of life. An evaluation of outcome measures for each component of ED is provided in the second part of this article. Quick, simple, inexpensive and efficient outcome measures can be used by nurses to evaluate the impact of conservative treatment for ED.