A new study shows that a long-acting drug for erectile dysfunction is safe and effective for men with spinal cord injuries who have difficulty achieving erections.

186 men, who had an average of 38 years old and had experienced erectile dysfunction for six months or longer, were randomly assigned to receive treatment with Cialis or placebo for 12 weeks. The study was completed by 163 of the men (129 in the treatment group and by 34 in the placebo group).

They were all instructed to take the drug when they planned to have sex. Nearly 85% of the men on Cialis said the drug improved their erections compared with19.5% of the men given a placebo. Another 78.5% of those on Cialis said it improved their ability to engage in sexual activity but only 14.6% of those on a placebo agreed.  The men on Cialis reported significantly more successful penetration and intercourse attempts; the most commonly reported side effects were urinary tract infections  and headaches.

The study concludes that "On-demand treatment may help improve the sex lives of patients with erectile dysfunction and spinal cord injury and their partners. Cialis has shown promise in treating the condition in men with spinal cord injury.".

As few as one in four men with an injury to the spinal cord can achieve an erection adequate for intercourse on their own.  Cialis is effective for a longer than Viagra and Levitra, and unlike the shorter-acting drugs, it does not interact with fatty foods. This may offer men with spinal cord injury and their partners a "more natural sexual experience and may be the agent of choice for patients who do not want to plan their sexual activity around medication dosing," the researchers conclude.