Inhibidores de la fosfodiesterasa 5: calidad de la erección y repercusión emocional en los varones con disfunción eréctil y sus parejas

This article aims to review the physiological determinants of penile rigidity in erection and its functional and emotional correlates in patients and their partners. Physiologically, the main neurotransmitter causing erections is nitric oxide (NO). The effects of this neurotransmitter are due to cyclic GMP, whose activity is regulated by phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). PDE5 inhibition with sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil increases erectile quality by prolonging the bioactivity of NO. The tools for rigidity evaluation, both objectively (RigiScan®) and subjectively (Erection Hardness Scale, International Index of Erectile Function, Quality of Erection Questionnaire, Sexual Encounter Profile and Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire) and the emotional impact of erectile quality on patients and their partners were reviewed. In conclusion, erectile rigidity has functional repercussions (quality of erection) and emotional effects (confidence, self-esteem, sexual satisfaction and general satisfaction), both for the male and his partner.