The Incidence, Prevalence, and Natural History of Erectile Dysfunction

Over the past 20 years, there have been numerous reports on the epidemiology of erectile dysfunction (ED). Most studies have reported prevalence rates in a variety of different populations using a variety of methodologies and a variety of definitions of ED. The varying methodologies, definitions, and populations make comparison difficult, but in high-quality studies there is a consistent association with age, and analytical studies suggest an association with cardiovascular risk factors, depression, and lower urinary tract symptoms. There is emerging evidence of a link with smoking and obesity. A smaller number of studies have reported the incidence of ED, again using a variety of different methodologies, definitions, and study populations. While the methodological differences were again prominent, there was a consistent correlation with increasing age. Only two reports have studied the natural history of ED, and both demonstrated not only that there was commonly disease progression, but also that in some men there was remission of ED. Remission was commoner in younger men, suggesting that in these men psychological and lifestyle factors might be the cause of temporary self-limiting ED. These studies also suggest that lifestyle modifications might be helpful in the prevention and treatment of ED. Eardley I. The incidence, prevalence, and natural history of erectile dysfunction. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:3-16.