An investigation into the management of patients with erection problems in general practice

In a study on the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in general practice, a self-selected sample of 90 general practitioners (GPs) (76 males, 14 females) from a predominantly urban population of 525 GPs were interviewed. It appeared that 59% would not actively interrogate a patient when an erection problem was suspected, either because of lack of time or lack of competence. A specific strategy for the management of erection problems was reported by 60% of the GPs. In practice, most GPs treated their own patients. About 60% of the GPs tried to keep up to date through reading and postgraduate courses. Impediments acknowledged in the interaction with patients were the experience of lack of knowledge and skills (63%) and emotional inhibitions to detailed questioning (49%). None of the GPs in this study had as yet utilized more recent treatment methods such as intracavernous drug injections and vacuum constriction devices. It is recommended that in postgraduate training courses GPs receive practical training in proper history taking and in the application of modern treatment methods.