Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Western cultural perceptions that favour spontaneous sex may create unrealistic expectations for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. Little is known about how users of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) plan sexual activity and timing of their preactivity PDE5I ingestion. Because various PDE5Is vary in their duration of action and dosage regimen, this may be an important consideration in selecting the optimal agent for the ED patient. AIM: To better understand the sexual habits of PDE5I users. METHODS: Men from 7 countries (Brazil, China, Italy, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey) were screened online for age, self-reported comorbidities and ED medication use in the prior 3 months. After screening, eligible participants were asked to complete a 7-question, self-administered online survey containing questions regarding sexual habits and behaviours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey questions focused primarily on advanced planning of sexual intercourse and timing of PDE5I ingestion but also addressed the frequency of sexual intercourse and ED medication use. RESULTS: Of the 1458 respondents (response rate: 48%; median age: 48 years [interquartile range (IQR), 44-55]), 83% always/sometimes planned a specific time for intercourse in advance; 72% planned a specific time for sexual intercourse up to several hours in advance. Of respondents who planned in advance, more than half planned specific days of the week (55%) and times of the day (60%) for sexual intercourse. The time to sexual intercourse after dosing was ≤1 hour for 70% and ≤4 hours for 96% of men. The median frequency of sexual intercourse was 6 times/month (IQR, 4-10), with ED medication taken a median of 5 times/month (IQR, 3-8). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual activity is usually planned by ED medication users several hours in advance, and the vast majority are attempting activity within a short time after ingestion of the agent. These data should aid clinicians in the selection of the optimal PDE5I.