Attitudes and preferences towards erectile dysfunction treatment among men with fertility needs: insights from a clinical study

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among males experiencing fertility challenges, yet attitudes towards actively treating ED in this group are under-researched. From a cohort of 1256 men with reproductive needs, 303 were identified with ED. The survey encompassed 296 respondents who correctly completed the second questionnaire, revealing that 50.3% sought ED treatment, with higher ED severity increasing the likelihood of seeking treatment. Infertile men were more likely to seek treatment than those with pregnancy loss (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.74–5.83). Men with normal semen parameters were more open to ED therapy (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.69–5.36), whereas those undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment were less inclined (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18–0.58). PDE-5 inhibitors (PDE-5Is) were preferred by 51.0% of those seeking treatment, with 29.7% of men with pregnancy loss and 60.1% of infertile men choosing PDE-5Is as their first option. Concerns included potential adverse effects of PDE-5Is on fetal health (78.7% of men with pregnancy loss) and on sperm quality (44.2% of infertile men). In conclusion, the different fertility requirements, semen parameters, and whether received ART are significant factors influencing the acceptance of treatment, PDE-5Is utilization among individuals in men with couple pregnancy loss is notably limited.