Managing erectile dysfunction, comorbid diseases linked

Richard E. Scranton, M.D., M.P.H., from Clinical Scientist Consulting in Framingham, Mass., and colleagues conducted a literature review to examine how diagnosis and effective treatment of ED affects overall management of selected ED comorbidities, with a focus on the role of medication adherence.

The researchers found that improved adherence and management of comorbid diseases may result from diagnosis and successful treatment of concomitant ED. Management of ED may improve outcomes, including treatment outcomes, decreased health care costs, and possible prevention or reduced deterioration of comorbid medical conditions. Noting that ED predicted comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease, early ED diagnosis may prevent future cardiovascular events. Screening, monitoring, and appropriately treating diseases comorbid with ED was found to be essential for men presenting with complaints of ED. Screening and treating ED was important for enhanced quality of life and improved motivation for those with comorbidities or risk factors.

"Appropriate management of ED and its risk factors may have beneficial effects on diseases that are comorbid with ED, and vice versa, most likely via shared pathophysiological pathways," the authors write. "Clinicians may need to consider men's health overall, of which sexual health is a central component, in order to provide optimal disease management."

Two authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer.

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Journal reference: Journal of Sexual Medicine

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