Health issues of men: prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction

The Cross-National Survey on Men's Health Issues was a population based, international survey of men using the health care systems of participating countries. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its correlation with patient age, overall health and comorbidities were assessed.

Men who were 20 to 75 years old in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain were recruited to participate in the study. During visits to physician offices participants completed a screening questionnaire about their overall health, and problems with prostate, urination and penile erection. Men who reported ED completed a followup questionnaire.

A cohort of 28,691 men completed the screening questionnaire and provided their age. Respondents in the oldest age group (70 to 75 years) were at 14-fold higher relative risk for ED than respondents in the youngest age group (20 to 29 years). ED correlated positively with poor overall health, and prostate and urinary problems. The prevalence of comorbid conditions increased with ED severity. Only a small percent of men with ED (2% to 8%) were using nitrates for comorbid cardiac disorders. Approximately 10% to 20% of men were on beta-blockers.

The results of this survey are consistent with those of other population based reports showing a high correlation between ED prevalence and patient age, and ED and lower urinary tract symptoms. The prevalence of comorbidities, such as vascular conditions, increased with ED severity, which may indicate that ED is a prognostic marker of overall health and an important medical condition.