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Screening for erectile dysfunction as part of periodic examination programs--concept and implementation.
R J Heruti1, M Yossef, T Shochat
1Sexual Rehabilitation Clinic, Reut Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Heruti@post.tau.ac.il
International Journal of Impotence Research
|February 13, 2004
Summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED) screening in military personnel identified a high prevalence of ED, often linked to underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Integrating ED questionnaires into health screenings can encourage early detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early indicator of systemic diseases.
- The Israeli Defense Force implemented a screening program for early morbidity detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the concept of using an ED questionnaire within a screening program.
- To describe the initial implementation and findings of integrating the Sexual Health Inventory for Males (SHIM) questionnaire.
Main Methods:
- Incorporated the SHIM questionnaire into a computerized medical history system.
- Collected data on questionnaire compliance, SHIM scores, age, and comorbidities.
- Analyzed data from 1980 male servicemen over a six-month period.
Main Results:
- 44.5% of male servicemen completed the SHIM questionnaire (n=881).
- 27.7% of respondents (n=244) showed signs of ED (SHIM score ≤ 21).
- ED prevalence and severity increased with age (r = -0.22, P<0.0001).
- Higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus observed in men with SHIM scores ≤ 16.
- Only 15% of men with ED self-refer for medical help.
Conclusions:
- Integrating ED questionnaires into periodic examinations can facilitate early detection of ED and associated systemic diseases.
- The screening program's private platform encourages better cooperation and may increase treatment-seeking behavior for both ED and underlying conditions.