Identifying and managing erectile dysfunction in general practice: a common but under-recognised condition

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting ~20% of Australian men aged >40 years.¹ Despite having significant impacts on quality of life, ED often goes undetected and undertreated.¹

Many men may feel reluctant to bring ED up themselves, so by initiating the conversation, healthcare professionals can help normalise the discussion and encourage men to seek treatment – ensuring that ED and any underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular (CV) disease, are promptly addressed.²

PDE5 inhibitors remain the first-line therapy for ED and have been available for over 25 years.^3,4  They have a well-established safety profile, and growing evidence supports their CV safety, thus dispelling the myth that these drugs are associated with negative CV outcomes.^4,5

Complete this 1-hour module to learn how you can help ensure that ED and any underlying health conditions are promptly identified and addressed in your patients based on the latest clinical evidence.

References

1. Kirby CN, Piterman L, et al. GP management of erectile dysfunction: the impact of clinical audit and guidelines. Aust Fam Physician. 2009 Aug;38(8):637-41.
2. Ramanathan V, Redelman M. Sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy: The role of a general practitioner. Aust J Gen Pract. 2020 Jul;49(7):412-15.
3. Chung E, Lowy M, et al. Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) and Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine (AChSHM) for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) clinical guidelines on the management of erectile dysfunction Med J Aust. 2022 Sep 19;217(6):318-24.
4. Kloner RA, Burnett AL, Miner M, et al. Princeton IV consensus guidelines: PDE5 inhibitors and cardiac health. J Sex Med. 2024 Jan 30;21(2):90-116.
5. Soulaidopoulos S, Terentes-Printzios D, et al. Long-term effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes and death: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Pharmacother. 2024 Aug 14;10(5):403-12.