A new tool for predicting erectile dysfunction

The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) is an effective way to assess erectile difficulty (ED). Despite documented efficacy, however, many physicians may be reluctant to incorporate it into clinical practice because of the intimate nature of the questionnaire. In an attempt to devise and test an easy-to-use computer-based SHIM score indicator for office use, more than 30,000 SHIM questionnaires were administered to men visiting physicians' offices in 2000. Information about age, current smoking status, diabetes, depression, hypertension, prostate disease, and cholesterol levels was also collected. A logistic regression model with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 57.7% was created to predict the likelihood of ED in a patient scoring below 21 (SHIM definition). This model was built into a highly graphic Windows-based program. The SHIM score indicator is a convenient way to rapidly identify patients at high risk for ED who should be further assessed.