Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Asian populations: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant health concern globally.
• Understanding the prevalence of ED in diverse Asian populations is crucial for targeted healthcare strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the pooled prevalence of ED across various Asian populations.
• To analyze the age-specific prevalence of ED in Asian men.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across Medline, PubMed, and PsychInfo.
• Six studies with 8653 subjects were included for pooled analysis using random-effects models.
• Prevalence rates were calculated for specific age groups and summarized by Asian region.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of ED significantly increases with age, ranging from 15.1% (20-29 years) to 70.0% (60-69 years).
• Homogeneity was observed in the lowest (20-29 years) and highest (60-69 years) prevalence age groups across regions.
• Individual study prevalence rates varied widely, from 2% to 81.8%.

Conclusions:

• Age is a primary determinant of ED prevalence in Asian men.
• Pooled data reveal a consistent upward trend in ED prevalence with advancing age.
• Further research may explore regional variations and contributing factors to ED in Asia.