Research on Erection Problems

Stop erection problems now!

Erectile dysfunction and quality of life for diabetic men

The quality of life for men with diabetes is an issue often overlooked. Research on Type 2 Diabetes reported in Diabetes Care. 25(2):284-91, 2002 Feb. De Berardis G. et al.

The researchers studied a large, nationwide outcomes research program associated with Type 2 diabetes in order to assess the frequency of self-reported erectile dysfunction and in order to evaluate its impact on the men's quality of life.

The study involved over 1000 patients, from over 110 diabetes outpatient clinics and just over 110 doctors in general practice. The men completed a questionnaire which looked at their ability to achieve and maintain an erection. They were also asked about quality of life issues, and were investigated for depression using the SF-36 Health Survey, as well as the diabetes health distress instrument, the psychological adaptation to diabetes instrument and the depressive symptoms (CES-D scale). They were also asked about the quality of their sexual life.

In total, about one third (34%) of the men reported often experiencing erection problems, about one quarter reported occasional erection problems, and just under half, 42% reported no erection problems. After assessment, erectile dysfunction was determined to be associated with increased levels of health stress specific to diabetes, and inversely associated with psychological adaptation to diabetes. Both factors were associated with worse metabolic control.

Erection problems were additionally associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of bad depressive symptoms, and with lower scores in the emotional/mental components of the SF-36, and - fairly unsurprisingly - with a less satisfactory sexual life. What is most distressing about this is that 63% of the men said their doctors had never investigated any sexual problems.

In summary, it is clear that erectile dysfunction is common among type 2 diabetic patients, and it causes or is at least found in common with worse quality of life compared to the general population, as measured with both generic and specific instruments. And, tragically, sexual problems in these men seem to be seldom investigated by either general practitioners or consultants.

What is the evidence for use of apomorphine in the treatment of erection problems?

Significant new research may be found and relevant to this information, which is from 2000.

An examination of research papers featuring apomorphine and its use in treating erection problems was published in 2000. Phase III x-over double blind studies involving over 850 men were reviewed, in which the men were treated with nearly 8,300 tablets of apomorphine SL, administered in 2 and 4 mg doses. The men were aged between 18 and 70 years, and had co-morbid conditions. The outcome measures of this study included intercourse rates and satisfactory erection rates assessed on a "per attempt basis" as well as the results revealed by psychometric instruments and additionally partners' response evaluations. The results clearly show that almost three quarters (74.1%) of men had moderate or severe erection problems. At the start of the studies, 31% had high blood pressure, 16% had proven coronary artery disease, 16% had a lipid problem - dyslipidemia - and 16% were known to have diabetes. The men gained erections rapidly (in between 10 and 25 min). In just over half of attempts to have sex (54.4%) at 4 mg dosage, erections suitable for intercourse were recorded (compared to 33.8% placebo, P < 0.001). A small majority of intercourse attempts (54%) were successful at 4 mg. Side effects included mild nausea and, more seriously, syncope. At the time the authors said that clinical trials of apomorphine SL showed it to be a safe and significant way to restore erectile function, even in men with severe erection probelms and cardio-vascular disease.

Erectile dysfunction - after Wikipedia

Apomorphine hydrochloride (whose trade name is Uprima) has been used in the treatment of erection problems. It stimulates dopamine in the brain, and it is this that is thought to be the agent which enhances a man's sexual response. However, it was discovered to be inefficient in a large-scale study undertaken by the UK's Drug Safety Research Unit and Portsmouth University. As a result, its use was ended in the UK in January 2006. Approximately 65-70% of doctors believed it was ineffective, and more than 60% of 11,000 men at an average age of 61 stopped taking it in month 1 and a further 23% stopped in month 2. Nonetheless some sources continue to supply the drug claiming it is effective.