Short-term Improvement of Erectile Dysfunction by Viewing Humorous Films in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.

Introduction. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin
disorder characterized by eczema, pruritus and cutaneous
hyperreactivity to allergic triggers. We and others have reported that
psychogenic stress aggravates these symptoms, while viewing humorous
films alleviates them. We have also found that many AD patients suffer
from erectile dysfunction (ED). ED exhibits multifactorial etiologies,
including psychogenic stress and reduction of serum testosterone
levels. Aims. This study assessed the effects of viewing humorous films
on ED in patients with AD. Main Outcome Measures. The effects of
viewing humorous films on International Index Erectile Function (IIEF)
domain (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire,
intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction) were studied. Methods.
Subjects comprised 36 AD patients with ED and their healthy wives.
Randomly assigned 18 patients and their healthy wives first viewed
humorous films on three consecutive days (Days 1-3). After 2 weeks,
they viewed control nonhumorous weather information films on three
consecutive days (Days 1-3). Alternatively, other 18 patients and their
wives first viewed control films on three consecutive days, and after 2
weeks they viewed humorous films on three consecutive days. Severity of
ED and serum testosterone and estradiol levels were assessed 1 day
before viewing (Day -1) and 1-4 days after viewing (Days 4-7). Results.
Viewing humorous films significantly improved the IIEF domain in
association with increased serum testosterone levels and decreased
serum estradiol levels on Day 4, while viewing control films failed to
do so. However, this effect was short-term. After 4 days of viewing
(Day 7), no improvement in ED or modulation of serum sex hormone levels
was observed. Conclusions. Viewing humorous films improved ED in AD
patients in association with increased serum testosterone levels and
decreased serum estradiol levels. These results may be useful for the
study and treatment of ED.