ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) can be used as a treatment for men with erectile dysfunction of organic origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study included 112 men unable to have intercourse either with or without medication. Erectile dysfunction was assessed at screening and 5, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. Assessment was performed by interview and using the Erection Hardness Scale (EHS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire. The men were randomly assigned either to LI-ESWT (n = 51, active group) or placebo (n = 54, placebo group). They received five treatments over 5 weeks. Both the participants and the doctors were blinded to the treatment. After 10 weeks, the placebo group received active treatment (active placebo group). RESULTS: Twenty-nine men (57%, active group) were able to obtain an erection after treatment and to have sexual intercourse without the use of medication. In the placebo group, only five men (9%) showed similar results (p = 0.0001). The EHS after 5 weeks showed that men in the active group experienced a significant improvement in their erectile dysfunction, but no significant result was found with the use of the IIEF - Erectile Function domain. CONCLUSIONS: This placebo-controlled study over 5 weeks shows that 57% of the men who suffered from erectile dysfunction had an effect from LI-ESWT. After 24 weeks, seven (19%, active group) and nine (23%, active placebo group) men were still able to have intercourse without medication. This study shows a possible cure in some patients, but more research, longer follow-up in the placebo group and an international multicentre randomized study are needed.
Subject(s)
Erectile Dysfunction/therapy , Ultrasonic Therapy/methods , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
"Je t'aime mon coeur" ("I love you, my heart") is a regional program aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk based on a strategy consistent with the Ottawa Charter. One of the objectives of the program is to reduce health inequalities between the general population and disadvantaged groups with limited access to preventive services. Among disadvantaged groups, access to the program appears to be related to the activities designed specifically for them and, in particular, to the support provided by professionals dedicated to the task. The study also shows that the program has had a positive impact on key determinants of health, including individual factors (knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, self-esteem, etc.) and environmental factors. In addition, the study provides evidence of social mobilization and indicates that the targeted populations have responded positively to the program. There is also evidence of better coordination between professionals from different fields. However, the level of public participation in governance remains low, particularly in the steering committee and the technical committee. Additional resources are needed to promote the emergence of a public group or population actively involved in implementing the program. The participation of the general public in the team behind the project should enable people to become actors in their own right on a par with other stakeholders.
