Sexual Attitude and Perception on Sexual Relationship Among Long-Term Users of Sildenafil

INTRODUCTION: High discontinuation rates of sildenafil were reported in its responders. AIM: To investigate perception on and attitude toward sex among long-term users of sildenafil. METHODS: A survey was conducted using random face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire on a population of 105 long-term sildenafil users (mean age; 57.8 years), who first took sildenafil 5 years or more previously and continued its use in the previous 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six point-scale of perception on and attitude toward sex and valuation of sildenafil. RESULTS: Among the long-term users, 98% perceived that it is desirable to have sex even though they get old if they are healthy, 93% had a positive attitude toward sex, and 97% had an intercourse-focused perception of sexual relationship; these rates were higher for those with a lower income and less education. And 59% had intercourses and 40% took sildenafil one to two times a week. They ranked prominence in rigidity of erection as the major reason for the long-term sildenafil use. The rigidity was maintained after more than 5-year use. CONCLUSION: An overall majority of the long-term users of sildenafil had a positive attitude toward sex, an active sexual behavior, and an intercourse-focused perception on sexual relationship. Sildenafil provided an optimal fit for the patients' needs. Prominence in rigidity of erection was ranked as the major reason for the long-term use.