Factors associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor treatment satisfactions: results of patient interrogation

Introduction. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapy is an efficacious means of treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). PDE5 inhibitors supply penile erection by inhibiting the hydrolysis of cGMP and therefore relaxing the corpus cavernosum. In this study, retrospective evaluation of those patients who were admitted to our clinic with the complaint of ED and who were recommended on PDE5 inhibitor treatment in terms of follow-up results and patient satisfaction were aimed.

Method. The patients were called by phone and after informing about the study and taking the informed consent, patient satisfaction with the treatment, purposes of withdrawal, treatment alterations and partner satisfaction were investigated.

Results. Interviews were made with 345 patients, who accepted to enroll in the study and the mean patient age was 56 ± 11.2 years. Of the patients 66.4% were learned to be satisfied with the treatment. It was determined that 10.7% of the patients have never used the medication and 50% could not continue because of high drug cost. It was recognised that 50.2% of the patients who are not satisfied with the treatment tried another PDE5 inhibitor. The success rate of the treatment was found to be higher in the followed-up group than those losses to follow-up.

Conclusion. Therapy with PDE5 inhibitors is an effective means of ED treatment. The importance of doctor-patient communication should be considered, and the patient should be advised for adaptation to follow-up program. High drug cost is a significant predictor of patient compliance to treatment continuation.