Quality of life in erectile dysfunction patients and their partners responding to tadalafil versus sildenafil citrate

Abstract

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered the most common sexual problem in men, with a direct impact on the life of the patient and their partners. Quality of life (QOL) has become a useful variable to assess the overall impact of diseases and medical treatments from the patient’s point of view. Aim The aim of this study was to estimate the QOL in ED patients responding to tadalafil versus sildenafil citrate as well as that of their partners and also to find out the type of treatment associated with the best QOL among these patients. Methods The present study was carried out over a period of 2 months and involved 60 diagnosed ED patients and their partners who were divided into two groups. Group A comprised 30 male patients who responded to tadalafil (20 mg) on demand therapy as well as their partners. Group B comprised 30 male patients who responded to sildenafil citrate (50 mg) on demand therapy as well as their partners. All patients included in the study were subjected to a thorough medical history taking, physical and genital examination, and QOL assessment using the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire before administration of tadalafil or sildenafil as a treatment for their condition; they were then reassessed after 2 months. Results The present study showed that ED has a negative impact on all domains of QOL. Conclusions Treatment with tadalafil or sildenafil improves QOL for both the patients and their partners in different domains of QOL.