F. Di Loro

Sildenafil does not improve sexual function in men without erectile dysfunction but does reduce the postorgasmic refractory time

Sildenafil is one of two oral drugs approved for first-line treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Anecdotally, some young healthy men who wish to enhance their sexual performance are requesting or abusing sildenafil. In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, we investigated the effect of sildenafil in young men without ED. A total of 60 young healthy men age 20–40 y with no reported ED were enrolled for this single-dose home-use study. Subjects had used no medication in the 6 months prior to the study. All had been engaged in a stable relationship for at least 3 months. After completing the IIEF-5 questionnaire, patients were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either one 25 mg tablet of sildenafil (group 1) taken prior to intercourse, or an identical placebo tablet (group 2). All subjects completed a questionnaire relating to their erectile quality. There were no differences between the two groups in the reported improvement of erection quality, 12/30 sildenafil vs 10/30 placebo (Fishers test, P=0.79). Sildenafil caused a significant reduction of the postejaculatory refractory time (12/30 vs 4/30) (χ2 test, P=0.04). Sildenafil does not improve erections in young healthy men. Sildenafil should not be given to young healthy men to improve their erections and patients should be advised against recreational abuse of the drug. In this limited single-dose home study, sildenafil appears to reduce the postorgasmic refractory time. Although controlled studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of erection-enhancing drugs in premature ejaculation, it is possible that sildenafil might be useful for this indication.

GENITOURINARY CANCER: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND GENDER DIFFERENCES

Introduction: The study of the psychological impact in patients diagnosed with cancer is an important topic. Cancer diagnosiscan induce feelings of anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence and produce treatment side effects. Men and women tend to differ in their way of dealing with emotional distress and physical illness. The aim of this study is to investigate and evaluate the prevalence and detection of psychological disease in patients with genitourinary tumors and outline the eventual gender differences. Materials and Methods: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Self-Rating Depression Scale and Illness Behavior Questionnaire were administered to 60 patients with genitourinary neoplasm. Results: Most patients show symptoms of depression and anxiety during the hospitalization. We have observed a significant gender differences in the psycho-emotional assessment. Conclusion: Our study confirms the importance to make available for the patients a proper and continuous support in pre- and postsurgery period to prevent the generation of psychological disorders.