Is sildenafil citrate associated with an amelioration of the symptomatology of androgen decline in the aging male?
PURPOSE: We examined whether treatment of erectile dysfunction with sildenafil citrate is associated with amelioration of the symptomatology of androgen decline in the aging male, and whether this alters the endocrine pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover study with sildenafil citrate was conducted in 60 men (age range 47 to 75 years old) who presented with erectile dysfunction and screened positively for androgen decline in the aging male by the questionnaire of the same name. The patients were randomized to receive sildenafil citrate or placebo in a 1:1 ratio and were crossed over after 3 months of treatment for an additional 3 months. The evaluation included International Index Erectile Function and Aging Male Symptoms questionnaires, hormonal profiles, total testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients completed the study. Compared to placebo, sildenafil citrate improved erectile function (52.7 +/-
