Purpose It has been suggested that postradical prostatectomy (RP) erectile function outcomes are improved by early use of erectogenic medications. This analysis was designed to assess the ability of a post-RP vasoactive drug program to improve long-term spontaneous erectile function. Methods Men with functional preoperative erections who underwent RP were challenged early postoperatively with oral sildenafil. Nonresponders were switched to intracavernosal injection therapy (ICI). Patients were instructed to inject three times a week. Only patients who presented within 6 months post RP, who completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire on at least three separate occasions after surgery, and who had been followed for at least 18 months were included. Data from men who were committed to rehabilitation were compared with those of men who did not follow the protocol but continued to be followed serially following RP. Results There were 58 patients in the rehabilitation (R) group and 74 in the nonrehabilitation (NR) group. No differences existed in mean patient age, comorbidity profile, intraoperative nerve sparing status, or postoperative erectile hemodynamics between the two groups. At 18 months post RP, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the percentage of patients who were capable of having medication-unassisted intercourse (R = 52% vs. NR = 19%, P < 0.001); mean erectile rigidity (R = 53 ± 21% vs. NR = 26 ± 43%, P < 0.01); mean IIEF erectile function (EF) domain scores (R = 22 ± 6 vs. NR = 12 ± 14, P < 0.01); the percentage of patients with normal EF domain scores (R = 22% vs. NR = 6%, P < 0.01); the percentage of patients responding to sildenafil (R = 64% vs. NR = 24%, P < 0.001); the time to become a sildenafil responder (R = 9 ± 4 vs. NR = 13 ± 3 months, P = 0.02); and the percentage of patients responding to ICI (R = 95% vs. NR = 76%, P < 0.01). Conclusions The data generated from this nonrandomized study indicate that a pharmacologic penile rehabilitation protocol results in higher rates of spontaneous functional erections and erectogenic drug response after RP.

OBJECTIVETo define the type of orgasmic dysfunction in men after radical prostatectomy (RP), as absence of orgasm and orgasmic pain are recognized complaints, and changes in orgasm may lead to significant sexual dissatisfaction. PATIENTS AND METHODSUsing an unvalidated questionnaire, demographic, erectile function and orgasmic function questions were answered by 239 patients who had previously undergone a retropubic RP. RESULTSOf the 239 patients, 22% had no change in orgasm intensity, 37% reported a complete absence of orgasm, 37% had decreased orgasm intensity and 4% reported a more intense orgasm after RP than before. Pain during orgasm (dysorgasmia) occurred in 14% of the patients; in these respondents the pain reportedly occurred always (with every orgasm) in 33%, frequently in 13%, occasionally in 35%, and rarely in 19%. Most patients (55%) had orgasm-associated pain for < 1 min. CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that orgasmic functional changes are relatively common after RP and are worth considering by clinicians and researchers.

Introduction Sildenafil citrate is an effective and well-tolerated oral erectogenic medication. Through phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibition, it induces relaxation in penile smooth muscle, resulting in erection. Due to its mild affinity for other PDE enzymes, it may cause smooth muscle relaxation in a number of other organs. Recent data suggest an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Anecdotally some patients cite improvement in LUTS while using sildenafil. Aim This study was conducted to assess the impact of Viagra on LUTS, using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and IPSS inventories. Methods Men presenting to a sexual dysfunction clinic who were candidates and opted for treatment with sildenafil completed the IIEF and IPSS. Men with the IPSS scores greater than 10 were enrolled and completed the IPSS and IIEF questionnaires at least 3 months after the commencement of sildenafil. Comparisons were made between pre- and posttreatment scores in the IPSS and erectile function (EF) domain of the IIEF. Results Forty-eight men were enrolled, with a mean age of 62 ± 11 years. The mean improvement in the EF domain score was 7 points (P = 0.01). The mean improvement in the IPSS score was 4.6 points (P = 0.013) and in quality of life (QOL) score was 1.4 points (P = 0.025). In total, 60% of men improved their IPSS score, and 35% had at least a 4-point improvement in their score. The mean number of uses of sildenafil per week was 2.0 ± 0.6. No significant correlation was seen between the degree of the IPSS improvement and baseline IPSS, baseline EF domain score, or magnitude of improvement in EF domain score. Conclusions These data indicate a positive impact of Viagra on men with mild to moderate LUTS. It is presumed, although unproven, that the medication’s effect is mediated through bladder neck/prostatic smooth muscle relaxation.

Introduction Men with Peyronie's disease who also have erectile dysfunction represent a challenge to the urologist. Historically, penile prosthesis surgery has been the management strategy of choice for this population. This study was undertaken to define the outcomes of a penile reconstructive surgery algorithm in men with Peyronie's disease and concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods Patients presenting with combined Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction were treated with vasoactive therapy initially. All patients underwent dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography. Nonresponders to erectogenic pharmacotherapy were advised to undergo penile prosthetic surgery. Responders to erectogenic therapy were considered candidates for either corporoplasty or plaque incision and grafting. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to compare erectile function and satisfaction profiles serially pre- and postoperatively between the patients in the three groups. Results Sixty-two patients constituted the study population. Eighty-one percent of the patients responded to erectogenic pharmacotherapy. Postoperative IIEF erectile function domain scores were statistically higher for implant patients and lower for plaque incision and grafting patients compared to preoperative scores. Postoperative IIEF satisfaction domain scores were higher for corporoplasty and implant patients and lower for plaque incision and grafting patients compared to preoperative scores. Conclusions The surgical algorithm used in this study leads to excellent IIEF erectile function and satisfaction scores for corporoplasty and implant patients; however, plaque incision and grafting patients had poor functional and satisfaction outcomes. These data support the concept that not all men with combined ED and Peyronie's disease require penile prosthetic surgery, and furthermore, plaque incision and grafting surgery is a poor option for men with combined disease.

Purpose Penile prosthetic surgery is associated with satisfaction rates &gt;90% for the general penile implant population. It is suggested that satisfaction rates may be lower in certain populations. This study was undertaken to define potential predictors of satisfaction. Methods Patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) prior to surgery, and the IIEF and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaires at least 6 months postoperatively accompanied by a Global Satisfaction Question (GSQ). Results A total of 114 patients constituted the study population. Subgroups evaluated included patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD), body mass index (BMI) &gt; 30 kg/m2, radical prostatectomy (RP), and patient age &gt; 70 years. The mean patient age and duration of ED were 59 ± 14 and 3.2 ± 1.9 years, respectively. All groups demonstrated statistically significant differences between pre- and postoperative scores for the IIEF and EDITS. Patients with PD, a history of RP, and BMI &gt; 30 kg/m2 had significantly lower scores on the GSQ, IIEF satisfaction domain, and EDITS compared with the general implant population. Only PD impacted negatively on the postoperative IIEF erectile function domain score. On the multivariate analysis, factors associated with ≥5-point difference in the IIEF satisfaction domain score compared with the general implant population were PD (RR = 4.2), RP (RR = 2.2), and BMI &gt; 30 (RR = 1.8). Conclusions These data suggest that men diagnosed with PD, BMI &gt; 30, or previous RP undergoing penile prosthesis surgery have lower satisfaction rates than the general penile implant population.