# Prescription Trends and the Role of Cardiologists in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

## TL;DR

This study examines who prescribes ED medications in Poland and finds that urologists, not cardiologists, are the main prescribers despite ED's link to heart disease.

## Contribution

The study reveals unexpected prescribing patterns of PDE-5 inhibitors in Poland, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to ED treatment.

## Key findings

- Urologists accounted for 51.0% of PDE-5 inhibitor prescriptions, while cardiologists contributed only 0.10%.
- Patients treated for ED were younger, had lower BMI, and fewer comorbidities compared to untreated patients.
- Tadalafil was the most commonly prescribed PDE-5 inhibitor, accounting for approximately 67% of prescriptions.

## Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is strongly associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and may serve as a marker of vascular pathology. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment. Considering this link, cardiologists and internists might be expected to play a key role in therapy initiation. Purpose: This study evaluated prescription patterns of PDE-5 inhibitors in Poland, focusing on physician specialization and consultation type. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from over 300 outpatient clinics (2014–2024). Men >18 years with newly diagnosed ED were included. Data on the first prescriptions of sildenafil and tadalafil were assessed. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: A total of 11,998 patients were identified (mean age 42 years; mean BMI 26.54 kg/m2). Common comorbidities included hypercholesterolemia (67.0%), hypertension (58.5%), obesity (31.5%), and diabetes (12.4%). PDE-5 inhibitors (predominantly tadalafil (≈67%)) were prescribed in 71.5% of cases. Urologists accounted for 51.0% of prescriptions, sexologists 14.9%, internists 20.4%, and cardiologists only 0.10%. Treated patients were younger and had a lower BMI, fewer comorbidities, and more favorable metabolic profiles (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, cardiologists and internists rarely initiate PDE-5 therapy. Prescribing is dominated by urologists despite high rates of cardiovascular comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating metabolic and cardiovascular risk assessment is warranted.