Outcomes

Demographics, health characteristics, treatment, sexual habits, ED severity, ED-specific QoL, satisfaction with sexual intercourse frequency, and treatment satisfaction data were collected. To assess sexual habits, men indicated how often they plan for sexual activity in advance based on the following responses: always, often, sometimes, hardly ever, or never. Respondents reported the number of times they engaged in sexual activity during a typical month. All data were self-reported.

Erection hardness was determined before and after receiving medication using the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), a single-item, patient-reported measure of erection hardness on a scale from 0 (penis does not enlarge) to 4 (penis is completely hard and fully rigid).17 Scores of 0 to 1 are associated with severe ED, 2 with moderate ED, 3 with mild ED, and 4 with normal erection. Those reporting a score of 4 without taking ED medication were excluded. ED-specific QoL was calculated using the Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), a 14-item measure that evaluates the impact of ED on psychological functioning and well-being.18 Scores are transformed to a 0 to 100 scale, with higher scores corresponding with better QoL. ED treatment satisfaction was assessed using 2 items from the validated Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS).19^,20