Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction and its risk factors: a practice-based study in Denmark

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its health-related correlates among Danish men, to evaluate the influence of age, tobacco smoking, educational level and medication and the needs for treatment and willingness to be treated. A validated questionnaire was sent to 4310 noninstitutionalized Danish men, aged 40-80 y. The men selected constituted all male patients aged 40-80 y in 12 general practitioner practices in a county of Zealand, representing both the urban and rural population. Besides age, education, marital status and International Index of Erectile Function, the questionnaire included the duration of sexual problems (ED, premature ejaculation, penile curvature), comorbidity, medication, risk factors and the effect of prior treatment and willingness to seek treatment for sexual problems. A total of 2210 men responded, giving a response rate of 51.3%. No difference in the response rate by age groups was noted. The prevalence of complete ED increased with increasing age: 40-45 y, ED: 4.5%; 50-55 y, ED: 11.1%; and 75-80 y ED: 52%. The frequency of ED increased three-fold from men without comedication to men having some kind of medical treatment. Risk factors included tobacco smoking and low educational level. Only 9% suffering from ED had received some kind of treatment. Of the treated men, 75% were satisfied with the treatment. Willingness to discuss sexual matters depended both upon the age of the man and his actual erectile function. Taboos were seen more frequently among elderly people. ED increases with age, but only 10% of the men with sexual problems seek advice. Medication predisposes to ED.