Effects of oral sildenafil on erectile function according to the number of accompanied cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of oral sildenafil on erectile function according to the number of accompanying cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and methods: The Q3 (the ability to achieve an erection) and Q4 (the ability to maintain an erection) scores of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were obtained, before and after the administration of oral sildenafil at least 4 times, in a total of 195 patients (mean age: 57.9±8.9 years) with erectile dysfunction. Of these, 125 had 1 (n=76), 2 (n=33) or 3 (n=16) cardiovascular risk factors. The effects of oral sildenafil for each group were compared by mean paired differences of the Q3 and Q4 scores after treatment. Results: The mean Q3 and Q4 scores increased significantly in all patients, regardless of the presence and number of risk factors (p<0.001). The greater the number of risk factors, the lower the Q3 and Q4 scores, while the mean paired differences in the scores before and after treatment were not significantly different between patients without and with cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: Oral sildenafil improves the erectile function in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, and combined erectile dysfunction and the degree of improvement seem to be similar, regardless of the number of cardiovascular risk factors.