Evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients treated for erectile dysfunction with Viagra (sildenafil citrate) using SF-36 score

The effect of sildenafil on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was evaluated. Forty men (61 +/- 8 years old, mean +/- SD) with erectile dysfunction (ED) were studied. Sexual satisfaction as well as HRQOL according to SF-36 scales was evaluated before and after treatment with Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) at a dose of 25 or 50 mg. After treatment with Viagra, scores increased for all scales; of these, physical functioning (PF), general health (GH), and role-emotional functioning (RE) showed significant differences from baseline scores. Patients who evaluated effectiveness of the treatment as excellent showed significantly better PF, role-physical functioning (RP), and GH scale scores than those who evaluated their outcome as good or poor (p < .05 for RP and GH: p < .01 in PF). In comparison with the scores at baseline, patients who considered outcome of Viagra to be excellent also showed significant improvements in PF, GH, and RE. Viagra treatment can improve HRQOL as well as sexual function in many patients.