The management of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus unresponsive to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is associated with diabetes mellitus with an estimated prevalence of 52.5% in the diabetic population. The first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction is phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, but data suggest that diabetic men may be less responsive than non-diabetic men. Thus, other treatments, including intracavernosal injections, intraurethral prostaglandin, vacuum erection devices and penile prosthetic surgery, should be considered in management of diabetic men with erectile dysfunction refractory to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Furthermore, combination therapy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and other oral treatments such as arginine or l-carnitine may have synergistic effects resulting in better outcomes. In addition, there are novel therapies such as low-intensity shockwave therapy and stem-cell therapy, which may also be effective in targeted treatment modalities. Furthermore, studies suggest that erectile dysfunction can be improved by targeting concurrent comorbidities or metabolic diseases such as depression, hypertension, hypogonadism, and dyslipidaemia. We present an evidence-based narrative review focusing on the management of erectile dysfunction in diabetic men who have not responded to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Conclusions: Both clinicians and patients should be aware of the different management options in diabetic patients who have not responded to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Keywords: antioxidants; combination; diabetes complications/complications; diabetes mellitus; drug therapy; erectile dysfunction; hypogonadism; intracavernosal injection therapy; low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy; non-responders to PDE5i; penile prosthesis; phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors; stem-cell therapy; vacuum pump.