Efficacy of sildenafil citrate in treatment of erectile dysfunction: Impact of associated premature ejaculation and low desire

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of premature ejaculation (PE) and low desire on the efficacy and satisfaction rate of sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsA total of 586 male patients with ED in association with and without PE or low desire were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for ED using the International Index for Erectile Function. All patients were also screened for PE and low desire. We compared the responses to the erectile function domain, questions 3 and 4, before and after sildenafil in patients with and without PE or low desire. Overall satisfaction and global efficacy question responses were also assessed in all patients.ResultsThe mean age ± SD was 58 ± 6.4 years. Significant associations were found between the increased duration and severity of ED and the decreased rate of overall satisfaction. Before sildenafil administration, significant differences were found in the erectile function domain, Q3 and Q4 between patients with and without PE or low desire. After sildenafil administration, no significant differences were found in those assessment variables and the presence or absence of PE and low desire. No significant differences were found between the global efficacy question response and the overall satisfaction rate between patients with and without PE or low desire.ConclusionsThe efficacy of sildenafil was negatively affected by an increased duration and severity of ED; however, global efficacy and overall patient satisfaction were not attenuated by PE or low desire.