OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of sertraline and vardenafil in the treatment of patients with concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE).

METHODSSixty patients with concomitant ED and PE received at our clinic of andrology were randomly divided into a vardenafil group and a sertraline group. The vardenafil group received flexible doses of vardenafil from 10 mg to 20 mg and the sertraline group 50 mg daily, both for 2 months. The differences in IIEF-5 before and after the treatment were recorded and compared, and the results of ED treatment evaluated. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was recorded to evaluate the outcome of PE treatment.

RESULTSIn the vardenafil group, 24 patients had their ED improved and the efficacy rate was 80%, as compared with 27% in the sertraline group. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Twenty patients had their PE improved in vardenafil group, with an efficacy rate of 67% as compared with 40% in the sertraline group. The difference was significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). In both of the two groups, a significantly higher rate of PE improvement was found in patients with improved ED than in those without. Only mild side effects were recorded, and none withdrew from the treatment.

CONCLUSIONTo patients with concomitant ED and PE, the key to the treatment is to improve their erectile function, and for this purpose, vardenafil works better than sertraline.