Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects between 12.9% and 28.1% of men worldwide, presenting a strong aged-correlated prevalence. Several pharmacological treatments are currently available for ED which can be classified into oral, injection and topical/intraurehtral therapy.
An extensive research on PubMed/MEDLINE until February 2023 was performed. For each of the aforementioned drug-classes, available molecules and formulations, their efficacy and most common adverse events as well as general guidelines on prescription were investigated and extensively described. A glimpse into future directions regarding ED pharmacotherapy is also present.
In recent years, there have been significant developments in pharmacological treatments for ED. It's essential for physicians to identify the best treatment option for patients based on their preferences and sexual habits. The treatment approach for ED has shifted from a sequential to a parallel paradigm, where all treatment options are available as first-line therapies. While there are promising regenerative therapies for ED, such as shockwaves and platelet-rich plasma injections, pharmacological treatment is still the most effective option for most patients.
Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. 2023 Jun 05 [Epub ahead of print]
Mattia Longoni, Alessandro Bertini, Nicolò Schifano, Emanuele Zaffuto, Paolo Maggio, Rossi Piercarlo, Sara Baldini, Giulio Carcano, Gabriele Antonini, Andrea Salonia, Francesco Montorsi, Federico Dehò, Paolo Capogrosso
Department of Urology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital; University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy., Department of Urology, ASST Sette Laghi - Circolo & Fondazione Macchi Hospital; University of Insubria, Varese, Italy., Department of Surgery, ASST Sette Laghi - Circolo & Fondazione Macchi Hospital; University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.