Behavioural and clinical findings in couples where the man presents with erectile disorder: a retrospective study

Relevant data were extracted from the case records of a consecutive series of 128 men (median age 57 years) who presented with erectile disorder and whose partners (median age 54 years) attended on the first or second consultation. The case records included responses to questionnaires addressing issues relating to sexual behaviour, used routinely in the clinic. Of these partners, 123 agreed to be clinically examined, including pelvic examination. The duration of erectile disorder ranged from less than one year to 40 years. Only about 10% of couples had experienced sexual kissing and/or caressing in the four weeks before presentation. Almost half the couples had not experienced any sexual activity for about 2.5 years. While 83.7% of men considered intercourse to be important to themselves, only 20.2% of the women rated intercourse somewhat or very important. Clinical evidence of urogenital atrophy was present in 33.3% of women over the age of 46 years. Three women had a vaginismic response to examination in the clinic and one of these women reported long term vaginismus pre-dating the onset of her partner's erectile disorder. One case of malignant ovarian tumour was identified. The observations from this study demonstrate the need to involve the partner in the assessment process of men presenting with erectile disorder.