VA TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT REPORT – PATIENT SUMMARY
ON
Treatment Options for Male Erectile Dysfunction:
A Systematic Review of Published Studies of Effectiveness

In this report:

• What is erectile dysfunction?
• Who is affected by erectile dysfunction?
• Is erectile dysfunction associated with other illnesses?
• What is the goal of treatment for erectile dysfunction?
• Why was the VHA interested in this topic?
• How did the VHA investigate this topic?
• What did the VHA find?
• How will this report affect patient care?

What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sex. The typical patient reports these symptoms after a long period of normal erectile function. This type of erectile dysfunction is not caused by psychological or relationship issues or other hormone disorders.

Who is affected by erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is common in men 40 to 70 years of age. In the VHA, this means that approximately 1.7 million veterans may have some form of erectile dysfunction.

Is erectile dysfunction associated with other illnesses?
Erectile dysfunction is associated with chronic illness. Drugs used to treat these illnesses may cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.

What is the goal of treatment for erectile dysfunction?
The goal of treatment for erectile dysfunction is to restore erectile function.

Why was the VHA interested in this topic?
The VHA wants to improve life for patients with erectile dysfunction. The VHA wanted to know what treatments restored erectile function and had few side effects. With this information, the VHA can provide better healthcare for men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction.

How did the VHA investigate this topic?
The VHA reviewed the medical literature to determine the success rates and side effects reported for different treatments of erectile dysfunction.

What did the VHA find?
The VHA found that educating the patient and their partner about the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment is important. Medications such as Viagra® that can be taken by mouth, drugs injected into or around the penis, surgical implantation of an artificial penis, and use of a machine to produce erections are all safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. Psychosexual counseling may be helpful for patients whose erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological issues.

How will this report affect patient care?
The VHA guidelines agree with these findings. However, the VHA notes that veterans tend to be older, have a greater number of medical conditions, and have more severe erectile dysfunction than reported in the literature. For this reason, the VHA does not recommend a specific treatment until you see a doctor for a complete evaluation.

Websites with more information on this topic

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