Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that affects men and their partners. Significant improvements in the sexual lives of these couples have been achieved with the introduction of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. A PDE5 inhibitor is now widely recognized as the first-line therapy for the majority of men with ED. Currently, three PDE5 inhibitors - sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil - are approved to be taken as needed in anticipation of sexual activity, but only one of these, tadalafil, has been approved to be taken once daily. The primary aims of this review are to summarize the patients' and partners' viewpoints of ED management with PDE5 inhibitors, and to determine whether once-daily tadalafil can contribute to improving some psychological aspects of ED (such as sexual self-confidence, spontaneity and time concerns) compared with on-demand tadalafil or other PDE5 inhibitors taken by patients with ED.
Keywords: erectile dysfunction; once-daily treatment; patient and partner perspectives; phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.