The study examined the impact of varying prescription requirements for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5is) on the management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
A survey involving 10,000 men from Germany, Norway, Poland, and Switzerland was conducted using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire to identify men with ED and interview them regarding their treatment and experiences. The use of PDE-5is by men without ED was also investigated.
The proportion of PDE-5i users with ED was higher in Norway and Poland (over-the-counter availability) and Switzerland (prescribed by pharmacist) than that in Germany (doctor's prescription required). Across all countries, men seeking to buy PDE-5is from pharmacies were advised to consult a doctor. The use of black market channels for purchasing PDE-5is was minimal in regions allowing non-prescription availability. The non-medical use was uncommon in all regions.
The need for a prescription for PDE-5is may hinder seeking treatment for ED and detecting underlying conditions. Therefore, PDE-5is should be approved as prescription-free medicines to improve the management of ED and to encourage men's engagement with the healthcare system.
International journal of public health. 2025 Dec 15*** epublish ***
Uwe May, Quirin Werthner, Harald Weigmann, Cosima Bauer
Faculty of Economics and Management, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany., Independent Researcher, Darmstadt, Germany., Opella, Frankfurt amMain, Germany., May & Bauer GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Honnef, Germany.