Prevalence and Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction in Chinese Adult Males

There is a lack of nationwide epidemiologic survey data on the prevalence estimate of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Chinese men living on the mainland China.

To attain the representative prevalence estimate of ED in the Chinese male population and to analyze potential risk factors associated with ED by demographics, socioeconomic status, and medical comorbidities.

The study was community based. The five-item Internation Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and in-person interview were used to obtain data. The survey subjects were 5,210 non-institutionalized Chinese men at least 40 years old residing in 30 provinces and autonomies of China. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to disclose risk factors associated with ED.

The prevalence estimate of ED was 40.56% in Chinese men at least 40 years old.

The prevalence of ED increased with increasing age. A significant high prevalence of ED was observed in men who smoked heavily, were estranged from a partner, had diabetes, and lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Smoking more than 30 cigarettes daily and obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²) significantly increased the risk for ED by multivariable-adjusted odds ratios. Stable or erratic sexual partners, personal incomes, alcohol consumption, and cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular diseases were not risk factors associated with ED prevalence. Other sexual problems commonly seen in this group of men included difficulty achieving erectile rigidness, ejaculation, and climax during intercourse.

Knowledge on the prevalence of ED and its associated risk factors will help physicians in the clinical management and prevention of ED with the use of counseling for lifestyle adjustment and drug therapy.

Data on the influence of psychological conditions on ED were not collected. ED was not categorized as minor, moderate, or severe for analysis during processing of data.

The national representative prevalence of ED was determined for the first time in the Chinese male population. Zhang X, Yang B, Li N, Li H. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction in Chinese Adult Males. J Sex Med 2017;14:1201-1208.