Are you Searching to learn the terms IIEF15 and IIEF5? No problem, I will make it clear in easy language. Also at the same time, some exclusive herbal remedies which are highly effective to improve ED will be focused here based on scientific data.
What Are IIEF15 and IIEF5?
IIEF15 and 5 are related to sexual performance. Now question is- what is IIEF15 and what is IIEF5?
The full form of IIEF is International Index for Erectile Function. IIEF is a questionnaire comprising 15 questions designed to measure the various dimensions of sexual performance and to determine the disease severity of ED. To imply these 15 questions, IIEF is otherwise called IIEF15. (1, 2).
On the other hand, IIEF5 is an abridged 5-item version of the 15-item International Index Erectile Function (IIEF15). This abridged version has been developed to identify the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED). IIEF 5 is otherwise called SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) (3).
In both research and clinical trials, IIEF is a very reliable and multidimensional scale to measure sexual performance in men (4).
The 15-question International Index Erectile Function questionnaire is divided into 5 domains. The domains are as follows (5):
1. Erectile Function
2. Orgasmic Function
3. Sexual Desire
4. Intercourse Satisfaction
5. Overall Satisfaction
IIEF15: Domains
- Erectile Function
- Orgasmic Function
- Sexual Desire
- Intercourse Satisfaction
- Overall Satisfaction
IIEF15: Questions
- 1st: (Q 1-5 & 15)
- 2nd: (Q9, 10)
- 3rd: (Q 11, 12)
- 4th: (Q 6, 7, 8)
- 5th: (Q 13, 14)
Understanding Some Terms Relevant to Sexual Performance
1. Sexual activity: an act of physical intimacy between two people for sexual pleasure.
2. Ejaculation: discharge of semen from the body
3. Sexual stimulation: any stimulus that leads to sexual arousal
4. Sexual intercourse: sexual contact between individuals involving penetration.
5. Orgasm: the climax of sexual excitement that happens following sexual stimulation or intercourse.
It is noteworthy that there is a difference between ejaculation and orgasm. Ejaculation is the discharge of semen from the body. Orgasm is a sensation of extreme pleasure, relaxation, and intimacy that happens at the peak of sexual excitement. However, orgasm and ejaculation occur concurrently in most cases but they are indeed different physiological occurrences that may happen separately (6).
Difference Between IIEF15 and IIEF5
IIEF 15 is a questionnaire comprising 15 questions for measuring various dimensions of sexual performance, whereas IIEF 5 is a shortened 5-item version that has been introduced by choosing 5 specific questions from IIEF 15 to measure the existence and severity of erectile dysfunction.
Scores for International Index for Erectile Function
IIEF15 Score
Each of the first 9 questions is awarded 0-5 points and the last 6 questions are awarded 1-5 points. IIEF15 Score indicates the sum total of the points earned for answers to the 15-item International Index for Erectile Function Questionnaire.
IIEF5 and SHIM Scores
Now, let’s have a look at what IIEF 5 and SHIM scores indicate.
IIEF5 or SHIM implies the sum-total of the ordinal responses to the 5-item International Index for Erectile Function Questionnaire and Sexual Health Inventory for Men Questionnaire respectively.
Indeed, keep in mind that IIEF 5 and SHIM are the same but the only difference between these two lies in answer options and scoring. All the questions of the IIEF 5 questionnaire contain 5 answer options having a score range of 1 to 5. On the contrary, the 1st question of the SHIM Questionnaire contains 5 answer options having a score range of 1-5 and the remaining 4 questions of the SHIM Questionnaire contain 6 answer options having a score range of 0-5.
The potential score range for the IIEF 5 is 5 to 25 and for the SHIM is 1-25. The existence and severity of ED have been shown as per IIEF 5 and SHIM Scores in the following (7, 8):
IEEF5 Scores SHIM Scores ED Status
5-7 1-7 Severe
8-11 8-11 Moderate
12-16 12-16 Mild to Moderate
17-21 17-21 Mild
22-25 22-25 No ED
The causes of ED
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance (9). Now the question is- why does it happen?
Vascular, neurologic, psychological, and hormonal factors are responsible for ED. The most common causes are
diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, testosterone deficiency, and prostate cancer treatment.
Performance anxiety and relationship issues are common psychological causes.
Precisely it can be said that ED is caused by vascular damage as well as testosterone deficiency (10).
Natural Remedies for the Improvement of ED
There are many herbs and foods for the improvement of ED. The most important of those are:
- Black Seed
- Honey
- Fenugreek
- Tongkat Ali
- Ashwagandha
- Maca Powder
- Watermelon
- Panax Ginseng
- Saffron
- Tribulus Terrestris
- Catuaba Bark
- Muira Puama
- Talmakhna
- Shotomul
- Shimul Root
- Akarkora
- Moringa
- Horny Goat Weed
- Yohimbine
- Musoli
- Shilajut
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pumpkin Seed
- Talbina
- Sareed
Besides these, there are many more natural remedies to destroy ED. For using this, you have to choose the ones which are fit for your own health condition. Before consuming this, know the rules of usage and dosage at the very outset.
Best Herbal Supplements for Mild to Moderate ED
Viasil
Viasil is famous for its dual-action formula. It functions naturally by way of supporting the body’s routine work of producing nitric oxide and ATP.
It is good for the persons suffering from mild to moderate ED because of age, stress, and anxiety. But the patients with severe ED may try this supplement composed of all thorough natural ingredients. Because it has no adverse effect.
Alpha Strength
Alpha Strength is the best natural supplement in the world. It contains scientifically proven natural ingredients. Viagra-like ingredients like l-citrulline from watermelon, Tongkat Ali from Malaysia, and fenugreek gave the supplement uniqueness. The supplement used the extracts of the ingredients in a safe and therapeutic dosage. Besides, it has also added some most common essential ingredients so that the pill can function synergistically to give patients with erectile dysfunction optimal results.
Male Extra
Male extra is good for harder erection and powerful orgasm. It has used more unique ingredients necessary for sexual problems. It has used much more ingredients than other supplements in this arena.
Treatment for Severe ED
For treating severe ED, FDA approved four drugs introduced by modern medical science:
- Viagra
- Cialis,
- Levitra, and
- Stendra
These supplements are highly effective to remove severe ED. But these supplements have an acute adverse effect. So, you should consume this pill in accordance with the prescription and supervision of a skilled physician.
Viagra
Viagra is a brand-name drug. It has used Sildenafil Citrate as an active ingredient. So, its generic name is Sildenafil. Its generic versions are also available.
Viagra generally requires 30 t0 60 minutes to work. Its functionality lasts 4 hours in the body.
Cialis
Cialis is a brand-name drug. Tadalafil is its active ingredient. Consequently, its generic name is Tadalfil. Its versions are also available. It works up to 36 hours in the body. In a long-term study, the researchers found tadalafil (Cialis) safe and well-tolerated for 18 to 24 months (11, 12, 13).
Levitra
Levitra is a brand-name drug. Vardenafil hydrochloride is its active ingredient. Naturally, its generic name is Vardenafil. Its generic versions are also available. Its duration in the body is 4-5 hours.
Stendra
Stendra is a brand-name drug. Avanafil is its active ingredient. So, its generic name is Avanafil. But its generic versions are not available. It lasts 6 hours in the body.
Brand Name Drug Vs. Generic Drug
When a company introduces a new drug, it gets a patent and sells the drug under a brand name. It is called a brand-name drug.
After the expiration of the patent, other companies may produce and sell the drug using the same active ingredient of the brand-name drug. This is called a generic drug.
So, you can say a brand-name drug means the name given by the inventor company, and a generic drug means a drug produced using the active ingredient of the brand-name drug.
It is pertinent to mention here that generic drugs are marketed in two ways: sometimes using generic names and sometimes using different brand names (14).
But keep in mind that whatever brand names are used, the status of the drugs remains as generic drugs.
Pfizer, for example, invented a specific ED drug ingredient named sildenafil, obtained a patent, and sold it under a brand name Viagra. Thus, Viagra is the brand-name drug, and sildenafil, the active ingredient of Viagra, is the generic name of the drug.
When the patent of Pfizer expires, many more companies start producing and selling drugs using the same active ingredient of Viagra, i.e. sildenafil. These drugs are generic drugs.
It is to be noted that the inventor company of a brand-name drug itself can produce the generic drug of the same. As for example, in the UK Pfizer itself marketed over-the-counter (OTC) ED pill named Viagra Connect which is the generic drug of Viagra.
To have a clearer idea of brand-name drugs and generic drugs, look at the following image:
Takeaway
IIEF is the most famous standard to measure the various dimensions of sexual performance especially erectile dysfunction. Using this standard, you can measure yourselves. You can get rid of the problem of erectile dysfunction by simply following a healthy lifestyle and consuming some natural foods and herbs. But in using a prescription drug, you must consult your physician. Though these drugs are highly effective to solve the severe ED problem, improper usage of the same without the supervision of a skilled physician may destroy your conjugal life causing permanently impotent.