Outcome Analysis of Goal Directed Therapy for Impotence

Abstract

PURPOSE: We assessed patient preference, satisfaction and overall outcome of goal directed management of erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of goal directed therapy of impotence were assessed by an independent telephone survey of 377 consecutive men who had not received prior therapy and who were followed for a minimum of 2 years. RESULTS: Patients preferred medical to surgical therapies despite significantly higher satisfaction rates achieved with surgery. Average number of treatment modalities chosen by each patient was 2 (range 0 to 5). Ultimately, only 40% of the patients achieved a long-term satisfactory result with goal directed therapy. The remainder were not satisfied with the last treatment but chose no further therapy, were lost to followup or refused therapy from the outset. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly demonstrate a patient preference for the least invasive forms of therapy. Patients avoid significantly more effective but also more invasive treatment options despite unsatisfactory results with less invasive methods. Future research efforts should be concentrated on the development of new medical therapies to enhance overall patient satisfaction.