BackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common health problems in men. ED can significantly affect a man’s psychological well-being and overall health.PurposeTo investigate the association of psychological factors, patients’ knowledge, and management among ED patients.Patients and methodsA total of 93 patients with an age range from 31 to 81 years who have undergone treatment for ED were included in this study.ResultsIt was found that the feeling of blame (P=0.001), guilt (P=0.001), anger or bitterness (P=0.001), depression (P=0.001), feeling like a failure (P=0.001), and the feeling of letting down a partner during intercourse (P=0.001) were significantly associated with ED. Age was also found to be significantly associated with patients’ psychological scale (P=0.004). In addition, the majority of patients in this study practice the right method of administration of ED therapy. However, no significant correlation was found between patients’ knowledge of ED therapy and demographic characteristics.ConclusionThis study concluded that ED does affect psychological well-being of people. In addition, patient’s knowledge about ED and its management is also crucial in ensuring that the patient achieves optimal therapeutic outcomes from ED therapy.

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ObjectiveTo investigate factors associated with demographic/clinical characteristics and drug selection in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The prevalence of ED is increasing worldwide. Studies have shown that ED is associated with age, lifestyle and comorbidities. However, the factors associated with patient characteristics as well as drug selection are incompletely understood.SettingA tertiary medical centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.ParticipantsA total of 219 patients (range 23–80 years) who had received phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors as ED treatment were evaluated.Inclusion criteriaAdult patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with ED, and prescribed with sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil.Exclusion criteriaPatients diagnosed with ED but who did not receive any PDE-5 inhibitor, or those with missing data.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFactors associated with demographic and clinical characteristics as well as drug selection were assessed.ResultsIschaemic heart disease (p=0.025), benign prostatic hyperplasia (p<0.001), obesity (p=0.005), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (p=0.006) and α-blockers (p<0.001) were significantly associated with elderly patients with ED. Additionally, LUTS (p=0.038) and α-blockers (p=0.008) were significantly associated with the selection of PDE-5 inhibitor.ConclusionsThese data showed that elderly patients with ED were significantly associated with comorbidities and α-blockers, whereas LUTS and α blockers were associated with drug selection.