Epidemiology Update of Erectile Dysfunction in Eight Countries with High Burden

Abstract

Introduction Prior epidemiology studies on erectile dysfunction (ED) have varied in geography/place, time period, and methodology. Due to this variability, comparisons of data across studies are greatly limited. Additionally, little is known about the rates of comorbid ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Aim To update the prevalence of ED and patient characteristics using a single methodology in 8 countries: Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included men (≥18 years) who self-reported experiencing difficulty in achieving or maintaing an erection in the past 6 months in the 2015 and 2016 National Health and Wellness Surveys (N = 97,159). Pairwise comparisons between the United States and each of the other countries were performed among respondents with ED and no BPH, aged ≥18 years, and within the subset of men aged 40–70 years. Main Outcome Measures ED prevalence (with BPH, with no BPH, and overall), health characteristics, and ED risk factors were assessed. Results ED with BPH was found to be < 6.0% in all countries. ED prevalence overall varied from 37.2% (Brazil) to 48.6% (Italy). Similar patterns were observed for the subset of men aged 40−70 years. Patients in Brazil were younger (aged ≥18: 43.85 vs. 52.35; aged 40−70: 52.94 vs. 56.76 years; for both, P < .05) than those in the United States. ED-related comorbidities were more common in European countries, comparatively. Conclusion This study provides an important update and outlook to ED epidemiology in Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Overall, ED prevalence is high, relative to some previous estimates. Findings from this study highlight the continued burden ED plays in the lives of men in these countries.

Increasing access to erectile dysfunction treatment via pharmacies to improve healthcare provider visits and quality of life: Results from a prospective real‐world observational study in the United Kingdom

“…According to the multinational Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) study, the overall self‐reported prevalence of ED among men aged 20–‐75 years was estimated at 16% 2 . A recent retrospective cross‐sectional study of men aged ≥18 years from eight countries reported an overall self‐reported ED prevalence of 40.5%, with a higher estimated prevalence of 42.6% in the United Kingdom (UK) 3 . The prevalence and severity of ED increase with age, and prior research has consistently demonstrated that ED is normally the result of underlying cardiovascular or endocrine disease or depression 4 …”

Consensus of experts from the Russian Medical Society of Arterial Hypertension. Arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction

“…Статистика ЭД по возрасту: ЭД поражает около 10% мужчин за десятилетие жизни. Например, 50% мужчин в возрасте старше 50 лет страдают ЭД [14].…”

Addressing Health-Care System Inequities in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction: A Call to Action

“…Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, burdensome, and costly urologic condition with increasing prevalence as men age. It is estimated that more than half of men between ages 40 and 70 experience partial or complete ED, and approximately 10% have severe or complete ED (Feldman et al, 1994; Goldstein, Goren, Li, Tang, et al, 2019). Recent research has identified that there is a high prevalence of ED in young men (8% in men 20–30 years of age; Kessler et al, 2019).…”