An Insight into the Role of Periodontitis as a Potential Risk Factor for Development of Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT@#Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the common sexual disorders affecting many men worldwide. Owing to shared common risk factors, periodontitis is related to ED. However, the prevalence of periodontitis among Malaysian patients with ED is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of periodontitis in patients with ED in Malaysia and the factors associated with this relationship. Forty-one subjects aged 27–59 years old were recruited to participate in this study. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used in assessing the presence of ED. Their periodontal health was assessed through comprehensive periodontal examination including plaque index, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment level. The subjects were categorised according to the severity of their periodontal health and ED. A questionnaire on general health and oral habits was administered. The prevalence of periodontitis (95.5%) among subjects with ED was significantly higher than those without ED (52.6%). Subjects with ED had the worst periodontal health, as indicated by the mean clinical attachment loss and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing. No differences in oral hygiene habits were found between subjects with and without ED. The prevalence of periodontal disease among Malaysian patients with ED was high. Periodontitis was positively associated with the severity of ED, supporting a dose-dependent association between the two diseases. Oral hygiene habits were not significantly related to any periodontitis parameters nor were significantly different between subjects with and without ED.

Prevalence of Periodontitis in Erectile Dysfunction Patients

ABSTRACT@#Erectile dysfunction (ED) and periodontitis have common risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and tobacco smoking. Multiple reports are available in regard to the association between ED and chronic periodontitis (CP). The study aimed to determine the association of ED and CP in selected Malaysian population. In this study, 74 patients (mean age = 52.4 ± 10.9 years old) diagnosed with ED, from scores via the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, were included. ED severity was classified as mild, mild to moderate, moderate, and severe. Periodontal condition was recorded using basic periodontal examination (BPE) method, of which scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were associated with having no periodontitis while a score of 4 was considered to have periodontitis. There are 40 (54.1%) subjects found to have periodontitis and the association of ED and periodontitis showed a moderate positive degree of correlation, ρ = 0.487 (p < 0.001). The percentage of subjects having periodontitis indicated an increasing trend with the severity of ED; from 19.0% (mild ED), 54.2% (mild to moderate ED), 75.0% (moderate ED), to 84.6% (severe ED). A greater degree of correlation was noted between dental scaling experience and ED, ρ = 0.635 (p < 0.001). Binomial logistic regression had shown no other co-morbidities and factors were affecting this relation. There seemed to be an association between ED and periodontitis existing in these selected Malaysian populations.

Prevalence of and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in young nondiabetic obese men: Results from a regional study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is frequently associated with obesity. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of ED and evaluate the associated risk factors in a cohort of 254 young (18-49 years) nondiabetic obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg m-2) men from primary care. Erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5] questionnaire), quality of life (Aging Males' Symptoms [AMS scale]), and body composition analysis (Tanita MC-180MA) were determined. Total testosterone was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study the factors associated with ED. ED prevalence was 42.1%. Subjects with ED presented higher BMI, waist circumference, number of components of the metabolic syndrome, AMS score, insulin resistance, and a more unfavorable body composition than those without ED. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a pathological AMS score (odds ratio [OR]: 4.238, P 40% of subjects. A pathological AMS score, the degree of obesity, and age were positively associated with ED, while elevated HDL-cholesterol levels were inversely associated with the odds of presenting ED. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term consequences of ED in this population.

Efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of ED: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in the treatment of ED based on the available clinical evidence.@*METHODS@#We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang Database up to June 2018 for published randomized controlled trials on the treatment of ED by LI-ESWT. We performed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducted a meta-analysis of the data obtained using the RevMan 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 595 ED cases in 8 double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included in this study, 362 in the LI-ESWT and 233 in the control group. Compared with the controls, the patients treated by LI-ESWT showed significantly improved IIEF (WMD = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.44－2.96, P = 0.008) and erection hardness score (EHS) (RR = 11.72, 95% CI: 5.13－26.80, P < 0.01). The IIEF scores of the patients were markedly increased at 4 and 24 weeks after LI-ESWT (WMD = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.10－2.75, P = 0.03; WMD = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.49－4.68, P = 0.0002), as well as after the 10th to 12th treatment (WMD = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.31－3.31, P = 0.02) though not after the 5th to 6th (WMD = 1.88, 95% CI: －2.10 to 5.86, P = 0.35). LI-ESWT also significantly increased the IIEF scores in the patients with the baseline IIEF ≥12 (WMD = 2.13, 95% CI: 0.51－3.75, P = 0.01) but not in those with the baseline IIEF ≤11 (WMD = 1.04, 95% CI: －0.96 to 3.03, P = 0.31). No significant adverse events were reported in the 8 RCTs.@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a non-invasive treatment, LI-ESWT is safe and effective and can significantly improve IIEF and EHS in ED patients.

Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract improves self-assessed sexual health in men: a pilot study / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Sexual health positively correlates with overall wellbeing. Existing therapeutics to enhance male sexual health are limited by factors that include responsiveness, adherence and adverse effects. As the population ages, safe and effective interventions that preserve male sexual function are needed. Published research suggests that various preparations of Kaempferia parviflora, a plant in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, support cardiovascular health and may ameliorate erectile function.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to examine the effects of KaempMax™, an ethanol extract of the K. parviflora rhizome, on erectile function in healthy middle-aged and older men.</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>We conducted an open-label, one-arm study on 14 generally healthy males aged 50-68 years with self-reported mild erectile dysfunction, who were not using prescription treatments. Participants took 100 mg KaempMax™ daily for 30 days.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>Evaluations were conducted at baseline and on the final study assessment. Primary efficacy analyses included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF); secondary efficacy analyses included the Global Assessment Question about erectile function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirteen participants completed the 30-day study. Supplementation with KaempMax™ resulted in statistically significant improvements in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction and total scores on the IIEF questionnaire. KaempMax™ was well tolerated and exhibited an excellent safety profile.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results suggest that KaempMax™ may improve erectile function in healthy middle-aged and older men. While the effects were not as pronounced as what might be seen with prescription medication, most participants found them satisfactory. Additional, longer and placebo-controlled clinical trials will be needed.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03389867.</p>

Validity of premature ejaculation diagnostic tool and its association with International Index of Erectile Function-15 in Chinese men with evidence-based-defined premature ejaculation / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) is a brief diagnostic measure to assess premature ejaculation (PE). However, there is insufficient evidence regarding its validity in the new evidence-based-defined PE. This study was performed to evaluate the validity of PEDT and its association with IIEF-15 in different types of evidence-based-defined PE. From June 2015 to January 2016, a total of 260 men complaining of PE and defined as lifelong PE (LPE)/acquired PE (APE) according to the evidence-based definition from Andrology Clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, along with 104 male healthy controls without PE from a medical examination center, were enrolled in this study. All individuals completed questionnaires including demographics, medical and sexual history, as well as PEDT and IIEF-15. After statistical analysis, it was found that men with PE reported higher PEDT scores (14.28 ± 3.05) and lower IIEF-15 (41.26 ± 8.20) than men without PE (PEDT: 5.32 ± 3.42, IIEF-15: 52.66 ± 6.86, P < 0.001 for both). It was suggested that a score of ≥9 indicated PE in both LPE and APE by sensitivity and specificity analyses (sensitivity: 0.875, 0.913; specificity: 0.865, 0.865, respectively). In addition, IIEF-15 were higher in men with LPE (42.64 ± 8.11) than APE (39.43 ± 7.84, P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, IIEF-15 was negatively related to PEDT in men with LPE (adjust r =-0.225, P < 0.001) and APE (adjust r =-0.378, P < 0.001). In this study, we concluded that PEDT was valid in the diagnosis of evidenced-based-defined PE. Furthermore, IIEF-15 was negatively related to PEDT in men with different types of PE.

Adaptación y análisis psicométrico de la versión española del índice internacional de función eréctil (IIEF) en población Chilena / Adaptation and psychometric analysis of the spanish version of the international index of erectile function in Chilean population

Contar con instrumentos validados en Chile para Disfunción Eréctil (DE), motivó el validar la versión española del Índice Internacional de Función Eréctil (IIEF), en población chilena. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo no experimental transversal, de muestra no probabilística por conveniencia, con 95 varones adultos de tres centros de salud (Concepción, Talcahuano y Santiago), durante Noviembre 2012 y Junio 2013. Expertos ciegos realizaron entrevista clínica utilizando criterios DSM-V y causas médico-quirúrgicas de DE. Luego de aplicación piloto y adaptación del IIEF, se logró la versión IIEF-Ch aplicándola a toda la muestra. Se analizaron los resultados con SPSS 15.0, obteniéndose alta correlación entre variables (X2: 956.533) y alta adecuación muestral (0,893); dos factores que explican el 81.59% de la varianza del instrumento, con alta confiabilidad (.971) y adecuada validez de criterio, alta sensibilidad (84.5%) y especificidad aceptable (91.9%). La IIEF-Ch es un instrumento válido y confiable para estudios sobre DE en Chile.

Having instruments validated in Chile for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), motivated the validation of the Spanish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), in Chilean population. A non-experimental quantitative study of non-probabilistic sample was carried out for convenience, with 95 adult males from three health centers (Concepción, Talcahuano and Santiago), during November 2012 and June 2013. Blind experts conducted a clinical interview using DSM-V criteria and medical-surgical causes of ED. After the pilot application and adaptation of the IIEF, version IIEF-Ch was achieved by applying it to the entire sample. The results were analyzed with SPSS 15.0, obtaining high correlation between variables (X2: 956,533) and high sample adequacy (0,893); two factors that explain 81.59% of the variance of the instrument, with high reliability (.971) and adequate criterion validity, high sensitivity (84.5%) and acceptable specificity (91.9%). The IIEF-Ch is a valid and reliable instrument for studies on ED in Chile.

Safety and efficacy of China-made sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of China-made sildenafil citrate (Jinge) in the treatment of ED.@*METHODS@#We conducted a multi-center, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial among 222 ED patients in five urological or andrological clinics of China. The patients were randomly assigned to receive sildenafil citrate (SC, n = 111) or placebo (n = 111) for 8 weeks. We obtained and analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the scores of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the success rate of sexual intercourse, and the incidence of adverse events.@*RESULTS@#No statistically significant differences were found between the patients of the SC and those of the placebo group in the mean age (［47.2±11.32］ yr vs ［46.67±13.08］ yr, P>0.05), psychological etiology (27.93% vs 23.42%, P>0.05), organic etiology (21.62% vs 29.73%, P>0.05) or mixed etiology (50.45% vs 46.85%, P>0.05), nor in height, weight, nationality, or history of smoking, drinking or allergy. Compared with the placebo controls, the SC-treated patients showed significant increases in the excellence rate of effectiveness (29.91% vs 78.90%, P<0.01), success rate of sexual intercourse (29.16% vs 63.87%, P<0.01), and total effectiveness rate (34.58% vs 77.98%, P<0.01). The effectiveness rates on organic, psychogenic and mixed types ED were remarkably higher in the SC group (64.52%, 83.33%, and 82.14%) than in the placebo control (46.15%, 21.21%, and 25.00%) (P<0.01). Mild or temporary adverse events were observed in 32 cases in the SC group as compared with 13 in the placebo control.@*CONCLUSIONS@#China-made sildenafil citrate is an effective, safe and well-tolerated drug for ED of different etiologies in the Chinese population.

Effects of different medications with tadalafil on erectile dysfunction in males with primary sexual failure / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the effects of three different medications with tadalafil on erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men with primary sexual failure.@*METHODS@#This study included 76 male ED patients aged 21－35 years who had primary sexual failure but normal nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity and failed to respond to psychotherapy. We randomly assigned them to receive oral tadalafil once daily, on demand, or once-daily + on-demand. After 2－3 months of treatment, we evaluated the effects based on the scores of the patients in the five domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).@*RESULTS@#After medication, all the patients showed significantly increased scores in the four domains of IIEF-5, namely, erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The on-demand group achieved even higher scores in erectile and orgasmic functions but a lower score in sexual desire than the once-daily group. However, the patients in the once-daily + on-demand group exhibited more significant improvement than those in the other two in all the five domains.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Once-daily + on-demand medication with tadalafil can significantly enhance the therapeutic effect on psychogenic ED in young men with primary sexual failure.

Kangle Decoction for erectile dysfunction with liver-qi stagnation and kidney deficiency / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of Kangle Decoction in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) with liver-qi stagnation and kidney deficiency.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 79 ED patients with liver-qi stagnation and kidney deficiency were randomly assigned to an experimental group (aged ［36.62±8.05］ yr and with a disease course of ［18.15±6.41］ mo) and a control group (aged ［37.44±8.10］ yr and with a disease course of ［17.51±6.79］ mo), the former treated orally with Kangle Decoction at 0.5 dose bid while the latter with Cialis at 10 mg qd alt, both for 8 weeks. Before treatment, after 4 and 8 weeks of medication, and at 4 weeks after drug withdrawal, we obtained the scores of the patients in the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), and Short-Form Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales (SF-PAIRS), and compared the indexes between the two groups of patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The IIEF-5 score was dramatically increased in both the treatment and control groups after 4 weeks (13.40±2.42 and 16.00±2.68) and 8 weeks of medication (18.60±3.50 and 18.59±3.80) and at 4 weeks after drug withdrawal (17.00±3.05 and 13.95±2.61) as compared with the baseline (10.78±2.28 and 10.77±2.33) (P<0.05 ), even higher in the treatment than in the control group after drug withdrawal (P<0.05 ). The EDITS scores in the treatment and control groups were (28.88±3.31 and 28.90±3.31) after 4 weeks of intervention, (29.68±3.30 and 29.13±3.32) after 8 weeks of intervention, and (29.20±2.92 and 26.82±3.23) at 4 weeks after drug withdrawal, all significantly higher in the former than in the latter group after drug withdrawal (P<0.05 ). The sexual self-confidence score (SSCS), sexual spontaneity score (SSS), and sexual time-concern score (STCS) were all improved in the treatment and control groups after medication as compared with the baseline (P<0.05 ), even higher in the former than in the latter group after drug withdrawal (P<0.05 ).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Kangle Decoction has a definite efficacy in the treatment of ED with liver-qi stagnation and kidney deficiency, with few adverse reactions and long-term post-withdrawal effect, and therefore deserves a wide clinical application.</p>

Correlation between premature ejaculation diagnostic tool and International Index of Erectile Function-15 in different types of premature ejaculation / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the correlation between the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) in different types of premature ejaculation (PE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed a cross-section survey among 352 PE patients received in the andrology clinic from December 2014 to December 2015 and 104 healthy men from the health examination center using basic demographic information (as on age, height, weight, education status, occupation, income, etc.), PEDT results, and IIEF-15 scores of the subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PE patients had remarkably higher PEDT and lower IIEF-15 scores than the healthy men (P<0.01). The PEDT score of the PE patients was negatively correlated with their total IIEF-15 score as well as with the scores in the domains of erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction after adjusted for age (P<0.01). The patients with acquired PE (APE) showed a lower IIEF-15 score than those with lifelong PE (LPE) (P<0.01). The PEDT score of the APE patients was correlated negatively with the total IIEF-15 score (r=－0.391, P<0.01) and the scores in the domains of erectile function (r=－0.362, P<0.01) and overall satisfaction (r=－0.621, P<0.01), but not correlated with intercourse satisfaction, sexual orgasm, or sexual desire. The PEDT score of the LPE group was correlated negatively with intercourse satisfaction (r=－0.286, P<0.05) but not correlated with either the total IIEF-15 score or the scores in the domains of erectile function, overall satisfaction, sexual orgasm, or sexual desire.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PE patients have a higher PEDT score and a lower IIEF-15 score than normal males. The PEDT score of APE patients is significantly correlated with the total IIEF-15 score, while that of LPE patients is correlated not with the total IIEF-15 score but with intercourse satisfaction.</p>

Validación psicométrica del instrumento índice internacional de función eréctil en pacientes con disfunción eréctil en Perú / Psychometric validation of the international index of erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction in Perú

Objetivos. Realizar la validación psicométrica del instrumento Índice Internacional de Función Eréctil (IIFE) en pacientes con Disfunción Eréctil (DE). Materiales y métodos. Serie de casos prospectivo donde se evaluó la validez y confiabilidad del cuestionario. Resultados. Más del 90 por ciento de los expertos consideraron que las preguntas del IIEF evaluaban los dominios y el constructo (validez de contenido). Hubo una concordancia perfecta entre la evaluación del experto y los resultados del IIFE (Kappa = 1). Se encontró diferencias significativas en las medias del puntaje por dominios entre los pacientes con DE y sin DE pero al evaluar la severidad solo hubo diferencias en el dominio de función eréctil (validez discriminante). Con relación a la severidad, el Índice de Síntomas de Prostatitis Crónica (ISPC) y el IIFE mostraron resultados divergentes (Kappa < 0,01, p=0,44), y los puntajes totales no correlacionaron (validez divergente) (rs = - 0,22, p = 0,16). Los coeficientes de correlación por dominios fueron leves a moderados y la correlación entre los puntajes totales fue alta (rs = 0,8, p < 0,001) (fiabilidad test retest). Se encontró un alto grado de consistencia interna con un α-Cronbach > 0,8 en los cinco dominios. Conclusiones. El IIFE validado culturalmente en el Perú es un instrumento válido y confiable para su uso a nivel local en el campo clínico y de investigación.

Objectives. To perform the psychometric validation of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in patients with erectile dysfunction. Materials and methods. Prospective case series to evaluate the validity and the reliability of the scale. Results. More than 90 percent of experts considered that the IIEF questions evaluated the domains and the construct (content validity). There was a perfect concordance between the expert evaluation and the IIEF results (criteria validity, Kappa = 1). Significant differences were found in the score media by domains between patients with and without ED but when severity was evaluated, only differences in the erectile function domain were found (discriminatory validity). The Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (ISPC) and the IIEF showed divergent results (Kappa < 0.01, p = 0.44) in relation with the severity and the total scores showed no correlation (divergent validity) (rs = -0.22, p = 0.16). The correlation coefficients by domains were mild to moderate and the correlation between the total scores was high (rs = 0.8, p < 0.001) (test retest repeatability). A high degree of internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values > 0.8 in the five domains was found. Conclusions. The cross-culturally validated IIEF in Peru is a valid and reliable instrument for its local use in the fields of clinics and research.

Determination of serusn leptin level in erectile dysfunction patients and its clinical significance / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the association of serum leptin level with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: A total of 38 out-patients complaining ED were graded by using IIEF-5 questionnaire. The mean IIEF-5 score of the patients was (12.3±2.4)and no one was higher than 21. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their scores. The fasting serum leptin levels were determined by ELISA in 38 patients (patient group) and 15 healthy controls (control group). Their body weights and heights were measured for body mass index(BMI). Results: Serum leptin levels were significantly correlated with BMI in both groups, regardless of patient ages and history. The mean leptin level in patients was (10.16±8.67) μg/L, which was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls ([4.81± 3.66] μg/L, P<0.05) after adjusting the effect of BMI. The leptin levels in the mild, moderate, and severe ED groups were (6.98±4.99) μg/L, (10.3±9.51) μg/L and (13.1±10.02) μg/L, respectively, with that of the mild group being significantly lower than those of the latter two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is indicated that human serum leptin level may have a potential value in diagnosing ED.

Investigation and analysis of the quality of life on brachial plexus injury patients / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the quality of life on brachial plexus injury patients in crosssectional study method and acquire related data. To analysis the effect factors and try to study on the methods which help to improve the quality of life of these patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study that measures quality of life of the brachial plexus injury patients in China. Methods Research participants completed the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the 5-items version of International Index of Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire (IIEF-5) for male.Data were typed into computer and analyzed with SPSS version 13.0. Correlations between domain scores and hospital stay, age, and family monthly income variables were analyzed with Spearman non-parameter correlation analysis. Results Fifty-one valid questionnaires were retrieved. The average score of these patients in physical, psychological, environment domains were 11.47 ± 2.36, 12.37 ± 2.28 and 11.62 ± 2.22, respectively. They were significantly lower than the norm groups in national studies which were 15.8 ± 2.9, 14.3 ±2.5 and 13.2 ± 2.4 (P ＜ 0.01 ). The average score of IIEF-5 was ( 17.83 ± 4.65), significantly lower than the normal score of 22 (P ＜ 0.01 ). Significant correlation was found among physical domain and age(P ＜ 0.05),family monthly income (P ＜ 0.05) and IIEF-5 score(P ＜ 0.01). Psychological domain also has significant correlation with IIEF-5 score (P ＜ 0.05) and so does environment domain with family monthly income (P ＜0.05). Conclusion Brachial plexus injury patients showed a reduction in quality of life scores. Even though the physical aspect was the most affected, there is evidence that the psychological, environmental domains and erectile function remained far from the ideal conditions expected for the general population. The effect factors are complex and there still remain much work to do.

An Unappreciated Correlation : Surgical Treatment of Lumbosacral Disc Disease and Erectile Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of lumbar disc herniation surgery for low back pain on the erectile functioning. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients, with age ranging from 22 to 56 years, who had presented with pain due to herniated lumbar discs were included in the study. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Short Form questionnaire was used to evaluate the erectile functioning. Patient visits on the 1st week,1st month and 3rd month postoperatively were analyzed. Pain scores were also noted together with side effects and the complications of the surgery. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients, 18 patients had reported erectile dysfunction; 10 patients mild and 8 patients moderate erectile dysfunction. Twenty patients did not report erectile problems. The herniation levels mostly were L5-S1 in 12 (31.6%). Overall, erectile dysfunction rates have improved in 31.7% of those previously with erectile dysfunction in a 3 month period after the surgery. Best results were obtained in those patients with mild erectile dysfunction preoperatively. CONCLUSION: Mild erectile dysfunction together with radiculopathy tends to improve after lumbosacral disc surgery. Moderate and severe erectile dysfunction may be related to a more severe nerve injury or to vascular and/or psychiatric factors. An evaluation of erectile functioning should routinely be performed in patients with lumbosacral disc disease both for data accumulation and for medico legal causes since the documentation of the correlation between erectile dysfunction and lumbosacral disc disease is still lacking.

The Korean Version of the International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF): Reliability and Validation Study / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The international index of erectile function(IIEF) is a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile function and detecting treatment-related changes in patients with erectile dysfunction. It was developed by Dr. Rosen in 1997 and composed of 15-item questionnaire of five relevant domains of sexual function(that is, erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction). The IIEF currently is available in more than 30 languages for use in multinational clinical trials, and demonstrates adequate sensitivity and specificity for detecting treatment-related changes in erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction. For application of the IIEF to Korean, it is inevitable to demonstrate the reliability and validity of Korean version of IIEF, since the cultural background is one of the most important factors which often results in misinterpretation of the questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 13th to July 20th 1998, a total of 39 patients aged over 30 who visited Andrology Clinic with the complaint of erectile dysfunction were enrolled for the patient group and 40 age-matched volunteers who visited the Department of Family Medicine without erectile dysfunction were enrolled for a control group. Self administered questionnaire survey was performed with linguistically valid Korean version of IIEF for all study subjects and was repeated with the inteval of 10-25 days(between the first and second survey). The results were analyzed statistically by PC-SAS version 6.12. RESULTS: Two separate aspects of scale reliability were evaluated, namely, internal consistency and test-retest repeatability. Internal consistency(Cronbach`s alpha) was computed separately for the five domains in patient and control group. Responses in overall satisfaction was highly consistent with alpha value of 0.96. A satisfactory degree of consistency also was observed for items in the other domains(alpha values greater than 0.70). Test-retest repeatability was assessed by computing correlations between the domain score and total scale scores at the first and the second survey. There was no significant difference in the domain scores and total scale scores between the first and the second survey; nevertheless, test-retest repeatability was relatively low for the orgasmic function(r=0.67) and intercourse satisfaction(r=0.70) domains. Relatively high correlations were observed for the other domains(r value of 0.73 to 0.85), as well as for the total scale scores(r=0.88)(p<0.01). To demonstrate validity, domain scores were compared with the monthly frequency of sexual intercourse(convergent validity) and with scales that measure occupational satisfaction(divergent validity). Siginificant positive correlations were observed between the monthly frequency of sexual intercourse and subscale scores for all five domains. In contrast, none of the correlations between domain scores and measure of occupational satisfaction reached statistical significance. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing the responses for patients with erectile dysfunction with control group by repeated measures ANOVA. Highly significant differences were observed between the patients with erectile dysfunction and age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, the Korean version of IIEF was verified in its reliability and validity. This can be used as a brief and reliable self-administered scale for assessing erectile function and for detecting treatment-related changes in patients with erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, this can be used as universal and objective scale in multinational clinical trial and research field.