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Understanding individuals' response to erectile dysfunction

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 20, pages S15–S20 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in men with cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet it is frequently under-recognized and under-diagnosed in clinical practice. Men are often reluctant to seek treatment, even though they have lower sexual and overall life satisfaction compared with healthy people. Moreover, moderate ED has a similar impact on a patient's satisfaction with sexual life as severe ED. Both patient- and physician-related factors contribute to the under-diagnosis and under-recognition of ED. A holistic, patient-centered approach is fundamental to the management of ED in men with CVD. Sexual medical training courses can enhance physicians' communication skills. Implementing lifestyle changes, recognizing the factors that lead to poor compliance and reducing psychologic stress can also lead to improvements in the management of ED. As ED and CVD share similar risk factors, a common prevention strategy has been proposed.

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Acknowledgements

I acknowledge medical writing support by Vicky Hinstridge (a Senior Medical Writer contracted to GCC) and Jackie Phillipson of Gardiner-Caldwell Communications; this support was funded by Eli Lilly and Company. Diane Stothard (Eli Lilly and Company) provided support by reviewing this paper.

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  1. Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    D Hatzichristou

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  1. D Hatzichristou
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Correspondence to D Hatzichristou.

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D Hatzichristou is involved in FDA/EMEA approved clinical trials for Eli Lilly, Bayer, and Pfizer and is also a speaker for Astellas Pharma Inc., Bayer, Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer, and Sanofi-Aventis.

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Hatzichristou, D. Understanding individuals' response to erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 20 (Suppl 2), S15–S20 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2008.48

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