Treatment of Men with Erectile Dysfunction through Lifestyle Modification Using a Digital Application - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction affects up to 30% of men in industrialized nations. Although the disease is more common in older age, men in their 30s and 40s are also affected. Despite the quantity and the important socio-psycho-pathogenic significance of erectile dysfunction, it is still treated almost exclusively by the administration of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. 

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a digital lifestyle change intervention for men with erectile dysfunction.  Material and Methods: In this pilot study, 20 patients with erectile dysfunction were encouraged to make lifestyle changes using a digital application. 

Results: We were able to show that the use of a digital application is very effective in supporting the lifestyle change efforts of patients with erectile dysfunction. 

Conclusion: Digital applications could offer valuable assistance in extending the purely symptomatic therapeutic approach (PDE5I) of men suffering from erectile dysfunction, to include the important component of lifestyle change in order to address the long-term implications of this complex condition.