Introduction: The effectiveness of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) creates a new field of both medical practice and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Both paved the way for emerging of minimally invasive therapies to restore male sexual function. However, what is the best drug to achieve the optimum outcome is still a challenging question to be answered. Areas covered: The general viewpoint of matching the pharmacotherapeutic characteristics with the patient's medical, social and psychological variables, in order to balance between efficacy and safety. Several studies had investigated considerations for preference and long-term adherence for PDE5i. However, thorough investigation of considerations for prescribing ED pharmacotherapy are still lacking in literature. This is the aim of this manuscript. Expert opinion: Several issues should be considered in the planning of ED management such as, the patient's and partner's expectations, etiologic considerations, performance status, safety, adverse effects, ease of administration, compliance, bad experiences with previous treatment, availability, cost, social factors, satisfaction and finally, regimen considerations. Addressing the patient's and partner's individual needs help to tailoring treatment in order to minimize compromises and optimize gains.
Considerations for Prescribing Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.