Human Reproduction, Vol. 15, No. 1, 131-134,
January 2000
© 2000 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Effects of sildenafil (ViagraTM) administration on seminal parameters and post-ejaculatory refractory time in normal males*
1 Cattedra di Andrologia, Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medica, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy and 2 Department of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
Sildenafil is a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 and represents a powerful therapy for male erectile dysfunction (ED) of different aetiology. Recently, sildenafil has been shown to restore erections in temporary ED related to the need of semen collection for assisted reproductive techniques. In this study, we investigated whether sildenafil administration modifies seminal parameters and/or erectile function in normal healthy volunteers. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over two period investigation we enrolled 20 healthy male volunteers (mean ± SE age 32 ± 0.5 years). Subjects were not using any medication for the 3 month period prior to the study and were engaged in a stable relationship with proven fertility. The effects of sildenafil (100 mg) on seminal parameters and erectile function after audiovisual sexual stimulation were evaluated by semen analysis and by colour-Duplex ultrasound (the Resistive Index) respectively. In all subjects, sildenafil caused no changes in seminal and erection parameters when compared to placebo. Interestingly, sildenafil administration led to a marked reduction of the post-ejaculatory refractory time (10.8 ± 0.9 min versus 2.6 ± 0.7 min for placebo and sildenafil respectively; P < 0.0001). These results indicate that in normal subjects acute sildenafil treatment does not modify semen characteristics and has a positive influence over the resumption of erections following ejaculation in the presence of a continuous erotic stimulus.
Key words: ejaculation/erectile function/phosphodiesterase inhibitor/reproductive behaviour/semen
3 To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Cattedra di Andrologia, Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medica, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 00161 Rome, Italy
* This paper was presented at the First International Consultation on Erectile Dysfunction, Paris, 1–3 July, 1999.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  A. Revelli, D. Ghigo, F. Moffa, M. Massobrio, and I. Tur-Kaspa Guanylate Cyclase Activity and Sperm Function Endocr. Rev., August 1, 2002; 23(4): 484 - 494. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 V. Rochira, A. R. M. Granata, A. Balestrieri, B. Madeo, and C. Carani Effects of Sildenafil on Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity in Normal Men: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study J Androl, July 1, 2002; 23(4): 566 - 571. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|