[Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the Region of Bierzo]

To analyze the prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in Bierzo (León, Spain).

A study was conducted based on a self-administered survey in males aged 19 to 90 years that consulted at the urology and family medicine services of 10 health centers in Bierzo (León, Spain). To determine the existence or absence of erectile dysfunction, the male sexual health questionnaire (SHIM) was included, and those with a score of 21 or less were considered to have some degree of erectile dysfunction. Distribution of the questionnaire began in September 1999 and ended in May 2000. Submission of the questionnaires concluded on May 31, 2000. Of 935 questionnaire that were received, 830 were valid.

The overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction in this study was 63.9%, which increased with age and was markedly higher after age 50 years (38.6% for age 41-50 years and 72.6% for age 51-60 years). The age-adjusted analysis showed the risk factors for erectile dysfunction were depression and arterial hypertension on treatment with drugs. Diabetes mellitus on treatment with oral glucose lowering agents or insulin, heart disease and hypercholesterolemia were also associated with the more severe forms.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients consulting at the primary care and general urological services in Bierzo (León, Spain) was outstandingly high. The present study showed erectile dysfunction to be an age-dependent disease that caused concern in slightly more than half of the patients with this condition. Apart from age, depression and vascular disease were found to be risk factors.