UK management guidelines for erectile dysfunction
BMJ 2000; 321 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7259.499 (Published 19 August 2000) Cite this as: BMJ 2000;321:499
- David Ralph, consultant (dralph{at}andrology.co.uk)a,
- Correspondence to: D Ralph, Taylor Patten Communications, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2BT
- Accepted 25 April 2000
In 1998, a working party of experts in different aspects of erectile dysfunction was drawn together to develop guidelines for managing the condition, with the support of other experts and professional bodies.1 Throughout the period of the development of these guidelines, input from the professional community was invited at every opportunity possible. This article covers the main points and recommendations of the guidelines.
Summary points
Erectile dysfunction is common and is easily assessed and treated
A detailed history is most important, and for many patients examination can be limited to blood pressure and examination of the genitalia
Patients should be informed about the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment and given advice on treatment outcome as well as ease of use
Patients should be advised on what to do and who to contact if there are problems or complications due to treatment
Follow up should be tailored to goals established at the start of treatment
Chairman's introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a major healthcare issue and acts as a marker for other common major diseases. It therefore deserves attention, consideration, proper investigation, and appropriate treatment. These guidelines should help in facilitating proper management and avoiding unnecessary expense and inconvenience. We have set out minimum standards for the investigation and management of erectile dysfunction, with comments on what should be added to the barest acceptable minimum to achieve a better standard of management. The guidelines are evidence based, as far as possible.
Methods
Information came from peer reviewed articles, meetings, and presentations. Articles were chosen by electronically searching the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica, Medline, and Embase for randomised controlled trials on erectile dysfunction and related topics. The abstracts of all resulting references were reviewed, and original papers concerning large numbers of subjects or addressing important or contentious issues were analysed. We handsearched journals for articles on impotence and testosterone and impotence and hypogonadism, and the past three years' volumes of the International Journal of Impotence Research. Where contentious issues were identified or when opinion or customary practice varied, chosen members of the working party critically appraised the relevant literature to assess the evidence base and to report back to the working party so that consensus could be reached. Information also came from a presentation given at the meeting of the European Society for Impotence Research, Madrid (1998); meetings held by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (1998 and 1999) and the American Urological Association (1998); and various meetings on sildenafil (1996–8).
For each of the guidelines' recommendations, we have graded the quality of the available evidence according to the system proposed by the US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for defining types of evidence and grading recommendations (see box, p 500).2
Grading of quality of available evidence
Category of evidence
Ia—meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Ib—at least one randomised controlled trial
IIa—at least one controlled study without randomisation
IIb—at least one other type of quasiexperimental study
III—non-experimental, descriptive studies, such as comparative studies, correlation studies, and case studies
IV—expert committee reports or the opinions or clinical experience of respected authorities, or both
Strength of recommendation
Grade A (levels Ia and Ib)—at least one randomised controlled trial as part of the body of literature of overall good quality and consistency addressing specific recommendations
Grade B (levels IIA, IIb, and III)—availability of well conducted clinical studies, but no randomised clinical trials on the topic of recommendation
Grade C (level IV)—evidence obtained from expert committee reports or the opinions or clinical experience of respected authorities, or both. Indicates absence of directly applicable clinical studies of good quality
Assessment
It is important to appreciate that consultations will take more time than the average general practice consultation or outpatient appointment. Interviews and treatment should take place in comfortable surroundings, with privacy assured. Assessment of the patient can be carried out by any professional competent to achieve the reasonable minimum standards for history taking and examination as indicated in the relevant sections of this document. Where specialist nurses undertake initial assessment, they should be working within protocols signed by medical professionals, according to the guidelines of the UK Central Council.3
The assessing individual should be fully informed of local facilities and routes and protocols for referral, including those for psychosexual therapy. If referral to a specialist is made from general practice, the referring doctor should be prepared to cooperate in management according to shared care guidelines, and fund continuing treatment according to local agreements (Grade C, level IV.)
History
A detailed history is the most important aspect of a patient's assessment (fig 1). If the initial assessment indicates the possibility of an important psychiatric problem, this should be addressed before treatment for erectile dysfunction. (Grade C, level IV.)
Psychiatric problems to which the assessor needs to be alert include generalised anxiety states, depressive illness, psychosis, body dysmorphic disorder, gender identity problems, and alcoholism. It should be borne in mind that erectile dysfunction is associated with many types of drugs (table 1).
Drugs associated with erectile dysfunction
Examination
For most patients, examination should be limited to the basic minimum—that is, blood pressure and examination of genitalia (to include checking for abnormalities in testicular size, fibrosis in shaft of penis, and retractable foreskin). Further examination or referral may be appropriate where indicated by age or findings in the history—especially regarding cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, and urinary systems. (Grade C, level IV.)
Investigations
Precise investigations indicated for any individual will depend on the history and examination findings. Patients who warrant investigations beyond those in table 2 should be referred for specialist assessment. These will include young patients who have always had erectile difficulty, patients with a history of trauma, patients in whom an abnormality of the testes or penis is found on examination, and patients in whom the initial screening tests have indicated an important abnormality.
Investigations in the management of erectile dysfunction
Measurement of prostate specific antigen concentration and a rectal examination should be performed as a baseline on any patients who are to receive hormone replacement therapy. (Grade C, level IV.) If the history or examination suggest possible hypogonadism, free testosterone or androgen index assessment is preferred.4
Treatment
Principles of treatment
For most patients, the final selection of treatment will be according to their choice. The role of the professional is to inform the patient and help him to make a reasoned choice. Most erectile dysfunction is multifactorial; organic and psychological elements may both need to be addressed.
The professional discussing treatment options (fig 2) with the patient should ensure that
Suggested plan for treatment of erectile dysfunction
Unbiased information is offered on all suitable treatment options, their merits, and known significant risks, in a form that the patient (and partner) can assimilate and from which it is sufficient for them to evaluate the options
The final choice of treatment is tailored to the needs and preferences of the patient; although partners are encouraged to take part in discussions and the choice of treatment, no patient should be denied treatment because of the absence of a current partner
Agreed treatment goals are established at the start of treatment
Appropriate information is given on management of the chosen treatment, including advice on what to do and who to contact in case of problems and complications. (Grade C, level IV.)
Psychosexual therapy
The success of psychosexual therapy depends on the motivation of the patient, because it will require him to work with the therapist to find an understanding of what prevents him from experiencing normal sexual arousal. A review of all outcome studies in psychosexual therapy published since 1970 showed successful outcomes in 50-80% of patients.5 Psychosexual therapy may be used in conjunction with physical therapies. (Grade C, level IV.)
Advantages and disadvantages of psychosexual therapy for treating erectile dysfunction
Advantages
Physically non-invasive, can involve partner, can lead to sustained improvement in sexual function and satisfaction, can improve couple's communication, can address partner's problems
Disadvantages
NHS services not available in every locality, patient or partner may be reluctant to attend, time consuming, variable reports of success rates
Oral sildenafil
Oral sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer, Sandwich) has been shown to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Improvement in erectile response has been reported by 50-88% of patients. 6 7 Clinical safety has been evaluated in more than 3700 patients.8 (Grade A, level Ib.)
Intracavernosal prostaglandin (alprostadil) injections
A choice of alprostadil preparations (for example, Caverject, Pharmacia and Upjohn, Milton Keynes; Viridal Duo, Schwarz Pharma, Chesham) offering different injection systems is available for administering by the intracavernosal route. Ease of use affects patient's and partner's satisfaction and therefore compliance; this is an important consideration in selecting the preparation.
Transurethral alprostadil
Alprostadil given transurethrally (medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE, AstraZeneca, Kings Langley)) has proved efficacy in providing erections adequate for intercourse. In patients with erectile dysfunction from organic causes, 65.9% achieved erections that were sufficient for intercourse during testing at a clinic and 64.9% of a subgroup of these responders were able to achieve intercourse at least once during the three months that they treated themselves at home.9 (Grade A, level Ib.)
Advantages and disadvantages of drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction
Oral sildenafil (Viagra)
Disadvantages
Facilitator rather than initiator of erections
Not suitable for all patients (contraindicated in patients taking nitrates and those with severe hepatic impairment, hypotension, hereditary degenerative retinal disorders, and recent stroke or myocardial infarction)
Slower onset of action than injected or transurethral alprostadil
Intracavernosal prostaglandin (alprostadil) injections (Caverject, Viridal Duo)
Advantages
Proved efficacy in providing erections adequate for intercourse (66% of patients self injecting at home10 and after 94% of such injections11); suitable for a wide range of patients owing to few contraindications or interactions; high rates (80-90%) of patient and partner satisfaction reported, 10 11 rapidly effective, recovery of spontaneous erections in a proportion of patients
Disadvantages
Penile pain on injection is a common complication but is usually mild11; penile fibrosis is a recognised complication, with reported incidence ranging from <1% to more than 20%12; low incidence of prolonged erections (for example, 5% in one study12) and priapism (1% in same study); invasive; patients need tuition on use and reasonable manual dexterity and eyesight (Grade A, level Ib)
Transurethral alprostadil (MUSE)
Advantages
Proved efficacy in providing erections adequate for intercourse, lower risk of priapism than with intracavernosal injections,9 suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who are needle phobic
Disadvantages
Long term efficacy and side effects uncertain; studies show lower efficacy and higher side effects than with intracavernosal injection,13 with more patients preferring to continue intracavernosal injection than transurethral use14; mild penile pain (10%-29% of patients) is most common side effect 9 15; may cause discomfort in pre-existing lower limb varicosities; causes penile urethral discomfort and possible vaginal discomfort for partner; requires manual dexterity, good eyesight, and insertion after micturition; slower acting than injections (Grade A, level Ib)
Vacuum devices
A vacuum device consists of an external cylinder fitted over the penis to allow air to be pumped out, resulting in engorgement of the penis with blood. A constriction ring is then fitted to the base of the penis to maintain this “erect” state. Vacuum therapy is suitable for a wide range of patients with chronic or occasional erectile dysfunction, whatever the cause. One study quoted an overall clinical success rate of around 90%, with more than 80% of patients continuing with the device, but in another study only 23% of patients asked for a prescription after a two week trial and only 53% of these reported complete or reasonable satisfaction. 16 17 (Grade A, level Ib.)
Penile prostheses
Penile prostheses are semi-rigid, malleable or inflatable implants, which can be surgically inserted into the penis to allow an erect state. Prostheses should be considered in patients whose impotence has an organic cause and who are unwilling to consider, fail to respond to, or are unable to continue with medical treatment or external devices. (Grade B, level III.)
Advantages and disadvantages of devices used to treat erectile dysfunction
Vacuum devices
Advantages
Low incidence of side effects; suitable for long term use; suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who have failed other therapy
Disadvantages
Contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders, lack of spontaneity and cumbersome, erections can be uncomfortable and ejaculation may be impaired, pivoting at base of penis, “cold penis” for partner, cross over study showed ability to attain orgasm and overall satisfaction of patient and partner lower than with injection therapy18
Penile prostheses
Advantages
Technical success rates are high—for example, a revision rate of 2.5% and a removal rate of 4.4% were reported in a two year follow up study19; patient and partner satisfaction in confidence and device rigidity reported as 80%19; long term result; use independent of injections or tablet taking; particularly valuable approach in patients with penile fibrosis; cost of replacement prosthesis covered by lifetime guarantee
Disadvantages
Invasive, operative procedure; sepsis the most common complication, with rates quoted from 2-16% (other complications such as erosion, migration, and penile necrosis are rare19); cosmetic, as the semi-rigid and malleable devices protrude; mechanical problems with device but reported rates are ≤5%19; perineal pain can persist for 1–2 months; initial cost is high
Management of priapism
Any centre initiating medical treatment for erectile dysfunction must ensure that appropriate treatment for priapism will be available whenever needed and that patients and their doctors know how to access this treatment. (Grade C, level IV.)
Follow up
Follow up is important for optimum management and patient satisfaction and contributes to audit of outcomes. A review between four weeks and six months allows for change or cessation of treatment. No single follow up protocol will, however, be suitable for all patients and all types of treatment. For those patients receiving injection therapy, longer term follow up to detect penile fibrosis may be advisable, although adequately informed patients may be equally able to detect this themselves and seek advice if necessary.
Follow up should be individually tailored and related to the treatment goals agreed at the start of treatment—the plan for follow up should be discussed and agreed with the patient when a specific treatment is initiated. In primary care, locally agreed protocols for repeat prescribing should be followed. (Grade C, level IV.)
Provision of care
It is now widely accepted that the ideal service provision for the management of erectile dysfunction in secondary care is multidisciplinary. The exact structure of the multidisciplinary team will vary.
Specialist nurses
Specialist nurses may play a key role in informing the patient and in initiating and monitoring therapy. This role may amount to total patient management within protocols agreed with medical professionals (as is current recommended nursing practice3). Such protocols should include clear lines of responsibility and communication and also arrangements for prescribing and consent to drugs. Specialist nurses working within this role must receive appropriate training.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists have a role in discussions and decisions about purchasing, including those made by local prescribing committees, and in reviewing comparative costs. In an area in which patients may be reluctant to seek appropriate assistance, community pharmacists may be key figures in guiding patients towards appropriate care.
Acknowledgments
The guidelines were approved by the council of the British Association of Urological Surgeons, the Association for Genitourinary Medicine, and the British Diabetic Association. Editorial services and administrative support were provided by Taylor Patten Communications.
Footnotes
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Funding Development of these guidelines was supported by an unconditional education grant from Schwarz Pharma (ED Healthcare).
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Competing interests The guidelines have been decided solely by the multidisciplinary working party and the Erectile Dysfunction Alliance Steering Group, with specific help from the additional advisers listed and in consultation with other interested clinicians. The sponsor has provided no input or influence and as such the guidelines do not necessarily represent its views.
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Contributors and terms used to search electronic databases appear on the BMJ's website