[Impotence among Icelandic males 1986-1991]

The estimated prevalence of impotence in western societies approximates 7%. A retrospective descriptive study was performed on 282 Icelandic males (mean age 53.5 years, range 19-79) referred for evaluation of impotence during the period 1986-1991. Diagnostic modalities included measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) and penilebrachial index (PBI), hormonal profile and cavernosography. In 55% the NPT was abnormal. In contrast, only 8.2% of PBI was abnormally low. By logistic regression abnormal NPT results correlated with increasing age. Measurements of hormonal profile was performed in 73.4% of the patients. Testosterone was found to be below normal in 12.1%. However, primary or secondary hypogonadism was only found in 3.9% and elevated prolactin in 2.8%. By cavernosography, venous leakage was demonstrated in 3.2% of the men and subsequently ligation of the dorsal penile vein was performed. A trial of testosterone treatment was given in 39.4% of the patients. Impotence is a common complaint among men. Psychological factors predominate in young men and the contribution of somatic etiologic factors increases with age. In the majority of patients relatively simple studies can give useful information on the etiology of impotence.