Date of Award
2016
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not HMG-CoA Inhibitors (Statins) are an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language randomized controlled trials published between 2011-2013.
DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effects of statins on erectile function found using the PubMed database.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured included erectile function, assessed using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire (IIEF) in all three studies and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) in one study, and male ED-quality of life using the MED-QoL Questionnaire.
RESULTS: Two studies in the review show an insignificant improvement in erectile function of participants taking a statin vs. a placebo. However, one study showed a statistically significant difference in erectile function in participants taking a statin vs. no medication at all. Additionally, one of the studies showed a significant improvement in MED-quality of life in men taking a statin vs. a placebo. Although two of these studies showed no statistically significant improvement in erectile function with use of a statin, they both showed potential in statin use with a larger improvement for men with more severe ED compared to men with a lesser degree of ED.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on these studies, the use of statins for treatment for ED cannot be justified. Trivedi and colleagues, as well as Masttalir and colleagues, both showed no significant difference in erectile function in participants with use of statins. However, Gokce et al showed statin use in men with ED does in fact improve their erectile function compared to men taking no medication at all. Although two studies showed no significant improvement in erectile function they both showed a larger improvement in men with more severe ED and one study showed a significant improvement in male EDquality of life. Further investigation should continue as this proves there is lead way for the use of statins for their effect in erectile function.
Recommended Citation
Caton, Kelsey, "Are Statins an Effective Treatment in Men With Erectile Dysfunction?" (2016). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 270.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/270