Large-scale questionnaire survey of erectile dysfunction drugs in Japanese men.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the assessment of currently prescribed drugs and approaches to overall erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy. A large-scale questionnaire survey was conducted in patients with ED who had taken an ED drug in the past 2 months. Of the 308 patients surveyed, 23% became aware of having ED more than 3 years ago. In the early stages, the patients frequently experienced 'anxiety and a sense of loss' and 'irritation and powerlessness'. The ED drugs taken were sildenafil and vardenafil in 65 and 31% of the patients, respectively. Although their efficacy was generally high, approximately 80% of the patients (younger patients in particular) experienced some problems with these medications. As negative assessments, the difficulty in finding a good time to take the drug and the strange sensation of the drug forcing the patient to have an erection were pointed out. Use of an ED drug such as tadalafil, which produces long-lasting effects and allows more spontaneity in sexual activity, will improve ED symptoms in a favorable manner, and will not only improve the self-image of the ED patients, leading to activation and fulfillment of their lives as a whole, but will also enhance the satisfaction and security of their partners. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; : 105-114).