Better sex for the couple: multidimensional therapeutical approach to erectile dysfunction - 27/06/08
Résumé |
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual performance.
The development of specific and effective treatments for ED such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) (sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) has highlighted attention on the problem and a growing literature becomes available every day, analysing the different implications of affected men. In this regard, it has been shown that there is an agedependent increase in ED incidence and severity and that the majority of cases of ED are closely linked to cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Thus, defining ED etiology and comorbidities (hypogonadism, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, dyslipidemia, etc.) is the first step to identify the correct approach to the problem: a personalized therapy, in which the single clinical condition should be considered. For instance, Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH), defined by the international recommendations as a “clinical and biochemical syndrome, associated with advancing age and characterized by typical symptoms and a deficiency in serum testosterone levels”, stress the need of testosterone substitution in the case of PDE5-Is monotherapy failure. Furthermore, it should be assumed that ED is a shared sexual dysfunction that is distressing for both members of the couple. In this regard, its role has been recognised both as partner who develops a sexual dysfunction herself and as key support in manʼs ED treatment, contributing to drug success.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Vol 17 - N° S1
P. 34 - janvier-mars 2008 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.