Skip to main content

Primary Care Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Urological Men’s Health

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

Abstract

Historically, erectile dysfunction (ED), as all sexual dysfunctions, has been relegated to a lower priority in a busy primary care practice. However, it is becoming evident that ED will not only accompany disease states of high comorbidity, but also can serve as an early marker for some patients presenting without established cardiovascular disease. What follows is an examination of trends of sexual inquiry in primary care practice and why asking about erectile dysfunction should be vital; how to engage a patient to allow for such a discussion; the workup, treatment, and determination of organic erectile dysfunction; how to manage the nonresponder to PDE5i therapy; and when to refer. It is the hope of the authors that sexual inquiry can become standard in primary care practice. The number of men with ED is increasing by the decade, and it is vital to propose both a workup and a treatment plan, that is, not only simple but also includes basic lifestyle changes that address diet and exercise. The chapter will include the optimization of PDE5i therapy, and will review other pharmacologic and surgical therapies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Lamberts H, Hofmans-Okkes I. Values and roles in primary care. J Fam Pract. 1996;42:178–80.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Stafford RS, Saglam D, Causino N, et al. Trends in adult visits to primary care physicians in the United States. Arch Fam Med. 1999;8:26–32.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Blumenthal D, Causino N, Chang YC, et al. The duration of ambulatory visits to physicians. J Fam Pract. 1999;48:264–71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bullough VL. American physicians and sex research and expertise 1900–1990. J Hist Med. 1997;52:236–53.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Broekman CPM, Van Der Werf T, Bosch JJ, Slob AK. An investigation into the management of patients with erection problems in general practice. Int J Impot Res. 1994;6:67–72.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Becker BL. Streamlined office management. Article consultant: Baum N, Patient Care Supplement Spring 1999; 17–21.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Herrick P. Problems in human sexuality encountered in primary care. PA J. 1976;6(1):3–10.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Stine CC, Collins M. Male sexual dysfunction. Prim Care. 1989;16:1031–56.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Hakim J, Subit M, Maroon M. Screening for erectile dysfunction in the primary care practice: results of a survey. W V Med J. 2005;101:67–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC. Sexual dysfunction in the United States: prevalence and predictors. JAMA. 1999;281:537–44.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Kubin M, Wagner G, Fugl-Meyer AR. Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. 2003;15:63–71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Dunn KM, Croft PR, Hackett GI. Sexual problems: a study of prevalence and need for healthcare in the general population. Fam Pract. 1998;15:519–24.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Jonler M, Moon T, Branaan W, et al. The effect of age, ethnicity and geographical location on impotence and quality of life. Br J Urol. 1995;75:651–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Dunn KM, Croft PR, Hackett GI. Association of sexual problems with social, psychological, and physical problems in men and women: a cross-sectional population survey. J Epidemiol Community Health. 1999;53:144–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Anderson MA, Mulhall JP. Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction. In: Mulcahy JJ, editor. Male sexual function. New York: Igaku-shoin; 2001. First Edition.

    Google Scholar 

  16. McVary KT, Carrier S, Wessells H. Smoking and erectile dysfunction. J Urol. 2001;166:1624–32.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Seftel A, Rosen R, Kuritzky L. Physician perceptions of sexual dysfunction related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and sexual side effects related to BPH medications. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19(4):386–92.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Weeks GR, Gambescia N. Erectile dysfunction: integrating couples therapy, sex therapy, and medical treatment. New York: WW Norton and Co; 2000. p. 43–4.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Sadovsky R, Miner M. Erectile dysfunction is a signal of risk for cardiovascular disease: a primary care view. Prim Care Clin Office Pract. 2005;32:977–93.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Curkendall SM, Jones JK, Glasser D, et al. Incidence of medically detected erectile dysfunction and related diseases before and after Viagra (sildenafil citrate). Eur Urol. 1998;37 Suppl 2:81.

    Google Scholar 

  21. DeWire DM. Evaluation and treatment of ED. Am Fam Phys. 1996;53:2102–7.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Billups K, Fiedrich S. Assessment of fasting lipid panels and Doppler ultrasound testing in men presenting with erectile dysfunction and no other medical problems. J Urol. 2000;163:147.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Roumeguere T, Wespes E, Carpentier Y, et al. Erectile dysfunction is associated with a high prevalence of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease risk. Eur Urol. 2003;44:355–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Grover SA, Lowensteyn I, Kaouache M, et al. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in the primary care setting. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:213–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Gaigal CS, Wessels H, Pace J, et al. Predictors and prevalence of erectile dysfunction ion in men referred for nuclear stress testing. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:201–6.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Min JK, Williams KA, Okwuosa TM, et al. Prediction of coronary heart disease by erectile dysfunction in men referred for nuclear stress testing. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:201–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Thompson IM, Tangen CM, Goodman PJ, et al. Erectile dysfunction and subsequent cardiovascular disease. JAMA. 2005;294(23):2996–3002.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Montorsi P, Ravagnani PM, Galli S, et al. Association between erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease. Role of coronary clinical presentation and extent of coronary vessels involvement: the COBRA trial. Eur Heart J. 2006;27(22):2632–9.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Sadovsky R, Mulhall J. The potential value of ED inquiry and management. IJCP. 2003;57:601–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Billups KL, Bank AJ, Padma-Nathan H, et al. Erectile dysfunction is a marker for cardiovascular disease: results of the minority health institute expert advisory panel. J Sex Med. 2005;2:40–52.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Richardson D, Vinik A. Etiology and treatment of erectile failure in diabetes mellitus. Curr Diab Rep. 2002;2:501–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Halcox JP, Schenjke WH, Zalos G, et al. Prognostic value of coronary vascular endothelial dysfunction. Circulation. 2002;106:653–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Banks J, Marmot M, Oldfield Z, Simith JP. Disease and disadvantage in the United States and England. JAMA. 2006;295:2037–45.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Young SE, Mainous AG, Diaz VA, Everett C. Practice patterns in sildenafil prescribing. Fam Med. 2006;38(2):110–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Holmes TH, Rahe RH. Social adjustment rating scale. J Psychosom Res. 1967;11:213–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Birchler GR, Webb LJ. Discriminating interactive behavior in happy and unhappy marriages. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1977;45:494–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Gott M, Galena E, Hinchiff S, Elford M. “Opening a can of worms”: GP and practice nurse barriers to talking about sexual health in primary care. Fam Pract. 2004;21:528–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Nusbaum MR, Gamble G, Heiman J. The high prevalence of sexual concerns among women seeking routine gynecological care. J Fam Pract. 2000;49:229–32.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Ackerman MD, Carey MP. Psychology’s role in the assessment of sexual dysfunction: historical precedents, current knowledge, and methods. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1995;63:862–76.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Dunn MR. Restoration of couple’s intimacy and relationship visits to reestablishing erectile function. JAOA. 2004;104 Suppl 4:S6–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Gregoire A. Assessing and managing male sexual problems. West J Med. 2000;172:49–50.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Sadovsky R. The role of the primary care clinician in the management of erectile dysfunction. Rev Urol. 2002;4 Suppl 3:S54–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Tudiver F, Talbot Y. Why don’t men seek help? Family physicians’ perspectives on help-seeking behavior in men. J Fam Pract. 1999;48:47–52.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Courtenay WH. Constructions of masculinity and their influence on men’s well being: a theory of gender and health. Soc Sci Med. 2000;50:1385–401.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Penson D, Kreiger JN. Men’s health. Are we missing the big picture? JGIM. 2001;16:717–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Nusbaum MRH. Sexual Health. AAFP home study assessment program 2001. Monograph 267:9.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Laumann E. The social organization of sexuality: sexual practices in the United States 1994. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  48. DeBerardis G, Franciosi M, Belfigilio M, et al. Erectile dysfunction and quality of life in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 2002;25:284–91.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Derby CA, Mohr BA, Goldstein I, et al. Modifiable risk factors and erectile dysfunction: can lifestyle changes modify risk? Urology. 2000;56:302–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Pinnock CB, Stapleton AMF, Marshal VR. Erectile dysfunction in the community: a prevalence study. Med J Aust. 1999;171:353–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Esposito K, Giugliano R, DiPalo C, et al. Effect of lifestyle changes on erectile dysfunction in obese men. JAMA. 2004;291:2978–84.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Stewart KJ, Hiatt WR, Regensteiner JG, Hirsch AT. Exercise training for claudication. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:1941–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Latshcer F. The human costs of tobacco use. (editorial). N Engl J Med. 1994;331:618.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Jeremy JY, Mikhailidis DP. Cigarette smoking and erectile dysfucntion. J R Soc Health. 1998;118:151–5.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Kuritzky L. Counseling the patient with erectile dysfunction: a primary care physician perspective. JAOA. 2002;102 Suppl 4:S7–11.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Halvorson JG. The clinical evaluation of common sexual concerns. CNS Spectrum. 2003;8(3):217–24.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Slag MF, Morley JE, Elson MK, et al. Impotence in medical clinic outpatients. JAMA. 1983;249:1736–40.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Finfer WW, Lung M, Stagle MA. Medications that may contribute to sexual disorders. J Fam Pract. 1997;44:33–43.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Muller JE, Mittleman MA, Maclure M, et al. Triggering myocardial infarction by sexual activity. JAMA. 1996;275:1405–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Lue TF. Impotence: patient’s goal-directed approach to treatment. World J Urol. 1990;8:67–74.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Althof SE, Seftel AD. The evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1995;18:171–92.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. McLaughlin SP, Carson CC. Laboratory evaluation of the patient with erectile dysfunction. Endocrine. 2004;23:113–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Barrett-Connor E. Cardiovascular risk stratification and cardiovascular risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction. Clin Card. 2004;27 Suppl 4:8–13.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Kostis JB, Jackson G, Rosen R, et al. Sexual dysfunction and cardiac risk (the Second Princeton Consensus Conference). Am J Cardiol. 2005;96:85–93.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Sadovsky R. Erectile dysfunction is a signal of risk for significant medical comorbidities: a primary care view. Curr Sex Health Rep. 2004;1:129–36.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Aruajo AB, Durante R, Feldman HA, et al. The relationship between depressive symptoms and male erectile dysfunction. Cross-sectional results from the Massachusetts male Aging Study. Psychosomatic Med. 1998;60:458–65.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Anderson MA, Mulhall JP. Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction. In: Mulcahy JJ, editor. Male sexual function. New York: Igaku-shoin; 2001. p. 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Van der Kooy K, van Hout H, Marwijk H, et al. Depression and the risk for cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta analysis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2007;22:613–26.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Spertus JA, McDonell M, Woodman CL, Fihn SD. Association between depression and worse disease-specific functional status in outpatients with coronary artery disease. Am Heart J. 2000;140(1):105–10.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Ruo B, Rumsfeld JS, Hlaky MA, et al. Depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life: the Heart and Soul Study. JAMA. 2003;290(2):215–21.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Screening for Coronary Heart Disease. Recommendaiton Statement. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2004;140:569–72.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Wilson PW, D’Agostino RB, Levy D, et al. Prediction of coronary heart disease using risk factor categories. Circulation. 1998;97:1837–47.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Zoler ML. Erectile dysfunction may presage vascular dysfunction. Family Practice News. 2004;40

    Google Scholar 

  74. Mosher D. Sex guilt and sex myths in college men and women. J Sex Res. 1979;15:224–34.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Blumstein P, Schwartz P. American couples: money, work, and sex. New York: William Morrow; 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Sprecher S, McKinney K. Sexuality. Newbury Park: Sage; 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Selvin E, Burnett AL, Platz EA. Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the US. Am J Med. 2007;120:151–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Hambrecht R, Wolf A, Gielen S, et al. Effect of exercise on coronary endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. N Engl J Med. 2000;342:454–60.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Gokce N, Vita JA, Bader DS, et al. Effect of exercise on upper and lower extremity endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol. 2002;90:124–32.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Edwards DG, Schofield RS, Lennon SL, et al. Effect of exercise training on endothelial function in men with coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol. 2004;93:617–20.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Moore BE, Rothschild AJ. Treatment of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Hosp Pract. 1999;34:89–96.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Sadovsky R. Selecting patients appropriate for treatment. J Fam Pract 2005; Suppl 5–14.

    Google Scholar 

  83. Data on File, IMS Eli Lilly and Company 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Bosshardt RJ, Farwerk R, Sikora R, et al. Objective measurement of the effectiveness, therapeutic success, and dynamic mechanisms of the vacuum device. Br J Urol. 1995;75:786–91.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Greiner KA, Weigel JW. Erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Phys. 1996;54:1675–82.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Rajfer J, Aronson WJ, Bush PA, Dorey FJ, Ignarro LJ. Nitric oxide as a mediator of relaxation of the corpus cavernosum in response to nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmission. N Engl J Med. 1992;326:90–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Helstrom WJG. Management recommendations for family physicians. J Fam Pract 2005; Suppl: 32–40.

    Google Scholar 

  88. Jiann BP, Yu CC, Su CC, Tsai JY. Compliance of sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction and factors affecting it. Int J Impot Res. 2006;18(2):146–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Vickers MA, Satyanarayana R. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus. IJIR. 2002;14(6):466–71.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Montorsi F, Burnett AL. Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. BJU Int. 2004;93:404–10.

    Google Scholar 

  91. Carson CC, Lue TF. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. BJU Int. 2005;95:257–80.

    Google Scholar 

  92. Nusbaum MR. Therapeutic options for patients returning to sexual activity. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2004;104(3 Suppl 4):S2–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin Miner MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Miner, M., Rajfer, J. (2012). Primary Care Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. In: Shoskes, D. (eds) Urological Men’s Health. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-900-6_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-900-6_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-899-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-900-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics