Effect of erectile dysfunction on frequency of intercourse: a population based prevalence study in Finland

We estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Finland and its effect on frequency of sexual intercourse.

A population based study of 3,143, 50, 60 and 70-year-old men in Tampere and 11 municipalities in the same county was conducted by mailed questionnaire. The definition of erectile dysfunction was based on difficulties in achieving an erection before sexual intercourse and maintaining it. Erectile dysfunction was classified into 4 groups as none, minimal, moderate and complete. To estimate the effect of erectile dysfunction on the frequency of sexual intercourse the men were divided into those who had intercourse at least an average of once weekly and those who did not.

A total of 2,198 questionnaires (70%) were returned and 1, 983 men (63%) were included in the study. Of these men 26% had no, 48% minimal, 14% and 12% complete erectile dysfunction, which increased with age (compared with 50-year-old men, the odds ratios for complete erectile dysfunction were 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6-7.5) for 60 and 21 (95% CI 12.5 to 34.7) to 70-year-old men. The effect of erectile dysfunction on the frequency of sexual intercourse could not be accounted for by age or marital status. The adjusted effect was strong among men with moderate (odds ratio 3.5, 95% CI 2.2-5.1) and complete (173, 68-443) erectile dysfunction but minimal erectile dysfunction had no impact (odds ratio 0.9, 95% CI 0. 6-1.3) on the frequency of intercourse.

Erectile difficulties are common and complete erectile dysfunction increases with age. Erectile dysfunction regulates the sex life of men with moderate or complete dysfunction but this association cannot be accounted for by age or marital status. Although mild erectile dysfunction did not completely regulate sex life, its significance is the risk of progression to a more severe sexual life disturbing dysfunction.