Association of psychological factors, patients’ knowledge, and management among patients with erectile dysfunction

Abstract

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.

Real-World Assessment of the Impact of Erectile Dysfunction on Sexual Planning Behavior and Health- and Treatment-Related Outcomes Among Men in 8 Countries

“… 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 Moreover, ED is associated with a negative impact on health-related quality of life (QoL) and on psychological well-being, in addition to economic considerations with impairments in work productivity and non-work activities. 8 , 9 …”

Predictors of Erectile Function Normalization in Men With Erectile Dysfunction Treated With Placebo

“…Placebo responses have been postulated to be associated with psychological factors [20], including enhanced behaviors in the clinical study context that may coincide with the patient’s expectations for improvement with treatment, such as perceived treatment assignment and expected therapeutic effects [32–35]. Of note, secondary detrimental psychological effects are common in individuals with ED owing to the erosion of confidence and self-esteem associated with their condition [8,9]. In addition, organic changes, such as changes in levels of hormones, nitric oxide, endogenous opioids, and brain activity, have been associated with placebo responses [20,35], although they are likely secondary to the positive outcome and not the reason for the placebo response.…”

“…For instance, it is estimated that at least 50% of all men in the United States with diabetes or a history of cardiovascular disease also experience some degree of ED [2]. In men with organic ED, secondary psychological sequelae are common, such as reduced sexual self-esteem and self-confidence [8,9].…”

Treatment for erectile dysfunction among older men in Northern Ireland

“…We found in keeping with studies in UK 2 and USA 9 that almost half of men aged 60 and over report moderate-to-severe ED. Despite the high prevalence of ED, and the relationship between ED and other diseases, [4][5][6][7][8][9] only one in five of these men reported being offered treatment to improve erections over the past 3 years. This proportion decreases with increasing age, but increases with extent of interest in sex reported and number of long-term conditions, the latter suggesting greater level of discussion with service providers regarding sexual issues when there is regular service contact.…”