Prevalence of erectile dysfunction oral drugs use in a city of southern Brazil

Abstract The last decade has seen a breakthrough in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) with the advent of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. There are few population-based observational studies on the prevalence of use of these drugs. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study in the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Daniel Vanti Duarte, María Clara Restrepo-Méndez, Mariângela Freitas da Silveira
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Associação Brasileira de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva
Series:Ciência & Saúde Coletiva
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Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1413-81232017002802763&lng=en&tlng=en
Description
Summary:Abstract The last decade has seen a breakthrough in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) with the advent of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. There are few population-based observational studies on the prevalence of use of these drugs. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). Our sample comprised 1,082 men aged 20 years or older who answered a confidential and self-administered questionnaire. Prevalence of EDD use was 5% (IC95% = 4%;7%). ED and advanced age were strongly associated with a higher prevalence of EDD use. ED prevalence in men who used EDD was 68%, which was much higher than the one found in the entire sample (27%). The use of EDD was more frequently reported among separated men, respondents with higher level of education and those without ED. A high proportion of respondents (68%) did not seek medical advice on the use of EDD. Sildenafil was the most commonly used drug (38%) but non-regulated and non-evidence-based drugs were also frequently used (14%). Prevalence of EDD use is higher among individuals with ED, opposing to the notion of recreational use of EDD.
ISSN:1678-4561