Screening for erectile dysfunction as part of periodic examination programs—concept and implementation

Shochat

Tekes‐Manova

et al. 2004

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early and first sign of an underlying systemic disease. A screening program is offered by the Medical services of the Israel Defense Force for career servicemen at the Staff Periodic Examination Center (SPEC) aimed at early detection of morbidity. The Sexual Human Inventory for Males (SHIM) questionnaire was introduced to these men in order to identify ED, to offer men with ED suitable treatment options, and to investigate underlying systemic diseases. Aim To provide epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of ED among a large-scale young adult population. Methods Subjects aged 25–50 years are undergoing a routine check-up at SPEC. Blood samples, physiological measures, demographic variables, information on health status and smoking habits are recorded and documented. The SHIM self-administrated questionnaire was used to characterize ED. Results During 2001–2003, 11,914 males reported to SPEC (average age 34.8 ± 7.1 years). Five thousand eight hundred thirty-six of them chose to answer the SHIM questionnaire (compliance of 48.9%). According to the SHIM scores, at least one out of three men (26.9%) suffered from ED (19%, 7%, and 1% had mild, moderate, and severe ED, respectively). ED was prevalent also among young adults: 22.1% of males under-40 had low SHIM scores (<21). Severity of ED correlated with age and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion In light of these results, we conclude that ED is a major health concern among young men as well. Incorporating questions regarding sexual health in a routine check-up may encourage more men to seek treatment, not only for ED, but also for underlying diseases.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction Among Young Adults: Results of a Large-Scale Survey

Shochat

Tekes‐Manova

et al. 2004

“…Men are considered as apparently suffering from ED when they achieve ≤ 21 points on the SHIM questionnaire scale, and are then classified into three categories: severe ED (1–7), moderate ED (8–16), and mild ED (17–21) [26]. Adding the SHIM questionnaire to the screening program of the SPEC was found to be useful in detecting ED [27]. The final score is printed in the report of the examinee without clarification, guaranteeing more privacy to those examinees with a low score.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association Between Erectile Dysfunction and Sleep Disorders Measured by Self-Assessment Questionnaires in Adult Men

Shochat

Tekes‐Manova

et al. 2005

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with sleep disorders and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in mostly middle-aged and elderly men. Sleep disorders and ED are also prevalent in younger men. Purpose To study the association between ED, sleep disorders, and SAS, particularly among adult men. Methods A health screening program is offered by the Israel Defense Force (IDF) for career servicemen older than 25 years, for the purpose of early detection of ED and sleep disorders, among other concealed morbidities. The Sexual Health Inventory for Man questionnaire (SHIM) was used to measure ED. The Sleep Quality (SQ) questionnaire, developed by the medical services of the IDF, was used to characterize SAS and other sleep disorders. Results From 2002 through 2003, 3,363 men (mean age, 36.1 ± 6.8 years) replied to the SHIM and SQ questionnaires. Of these men, 337 (10%) scored high (≥25) in the SQ questionnaire, suggesting moderate to severe sleep disorders, and 870 men (25.8%) scored low (≤21) in the SHIM questionnaire, suggesting ED. There was a negative correlation between the scores in the SHIM questionnaire and in the SQ questionnaire (r = −0.29, P < 0.0001)—even after age adjustment and after excluding men with risk factors for both ED and SAS (such as essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity; r = −0.21, P < 0.0001). This correlation was consistent with all severity levels of ED and sleep disorders. Conclusions Sleep disorders, in particular SAS, and ED are prevalent and may be related in adult men. Either ED or sleep disorders should be considered whenever the other is suspected in adult men. Sleep disorders and ED should also be investigated for the purpose of treating underlying systemic diseases and emotional disorders, and in order to prevent late complications of atherosclerosis.

“…Current smoking is defined as smoking one or more cigarettes in the last 3 months [10]. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire comprises part of the above‐mentioned questionnaire, aiming to detect ED and assess its severity [11], though its completion is not mandatory. The SHIM questionnaire consists of five items, each rated on a 5‐point scale.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pure Hypertriglyceridemia Might be Associated with Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Arbel

Steinvil

et al. 2008

Introduction Unlike the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the association between ED and hypertriglyceridemia is still debatable. Aim To study prevalence and severity of ED in young men with very high levels of triglycerides. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of ED, ED severity, total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol levels, and triglycerides levels. Methods Men who were enrolled went through routine health checks including full lipid profiling and completion of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. Very high levels of triglycerides were defined as ≥500 mg/dL. Very high levels of LDL cholesterol were defined as ≥190 mg/dL. Men with diabetes, ischemic heart disease, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ≥60 mg/dL, and mixed hyperlipidemias were excluded. Results Included were 88 men, aged 35.9 ± 7.1 years (range: 25–51 years): 21 men with “pure” severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels ≥500 mg/dL and non-HDL cholesterol ≤189 mg/dL), 34 men with “pure” severe hyperlipidemia (LDL cholesterol levels ≥190 mg/dL and triglycerides ≤199 mg/dL), and 33 men with normal cholesterol levels. No significant differences were found between these groups in terms of mean age and mean SHIM score. Prevalence of ED (i.e., SHIM score < 22) was higher among men with “pure” severe hypertriglyceridemia than among men with “pure” severe hyperlipidemia (42.9% vs. 29.4%) and men with normal cholesterol levels (42.9% vs. 24.2%), although these results were not statistically significant (P = 0.2 and 0.4, respectively). Conclusions Conclusions. Prevalence of ED might be increased in young men with “pure” severe hypertriglyceridemia, though a larger cohort with a longitudinal follow-up is needed to prove that hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for ED.