T F Lue1, K L Lee. 1. Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0738, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review current pharmacologic treatment options for erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Relevant literatures from the past two decades regarding the following treatments were reviewed: intracavemous injection, topical therapy, transurethral therapy and oral drugs. STUDY SELECTION: More than 125 originally identified articles were reviewed, and 45 were selected that especially addressed the stated purpose. RESULTS: Among the pharmacologic treatment options available, intracavemous injection therapy remains the most effective although the drop-out rate is high. Topical creams and gels have not been very successful. Transurethral alprostadil can be more effective if a constriction device is applied at the base of the penis. Oral sildenafil has the highest patient acceptance rate although systemic side effects can be a major drawback. CONCLUSIONS: Effective pharmacotherapies for ED of various etiologies are now available. However, proper evaluation of every patient should be performed before giving treatment so that a number of potentially life-threatening causes of erectile dysfunction would not be missed.
OBJECTIVE: To review current pharmacologic treatment options for erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Relevant literatures from the past two decades regarding the following treatments were reviewed: intracavemous injection, topical therapy, transurethral therapy and oral drugs. STUDY SELECTION: More than 125 originally identified articles were reviewed, and 45 were selected that especially addressed the stated purpose. RESULTS: Among the pharmacologic treatment options available, intracavemous injection therapy remains the most effective although the drop-out rate is high. Topical creams and gels have not been very successful. Transurethral alprostadil can be more effective if a constriction device is applied at the base of the penis. Oral sildenafil has the highest patient acceptance rate although systemic side effects can be a major drawback. CONCLUSIONS: Effective pharmacotherapies for ED of various etiologies are now available. However, proper evaluation of every patient should be performed before giving treatment so that a number of potentially life-threatening causes of erectile dysfunction would not be missed.