The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the global prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED); as well as its association with physiological and pathological ageing by examining the relationship between ED and cardiovascular disease (CVD), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and dementia. We also aimed to characterise discrepancies caused by the use of different ED screening tools. Methods The Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) were searched to find population‐based studies investigating the prevalence of ED and the association between ED and CVD, BPH, and dementia in the general population. Results The global prevalence of ED was 3–76.5%. ED was associated with increasing age. Use of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS)‐derived questionnaire identified a high prevalence of ED in young men. ED was positively associated with CVD. Men with ED have an increased risk of all‐cause mortality odds ratio (OR) 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.57), as well as CVD mortality OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.00–2.05). Men with ED are 1.33–6.24‐times more likely to have BPH then men without ED, and 1.68‐times more likely to develop dementia than men without ED. Conclusion ED screening tools in population‐based studies are a major source of discrepancy. Non‐validated questionnaires may be less sensitive than the IIEF and MMAS‐derived questionnaire. ED constitutes a large burden on society given its high prevalence and impact on quality of life, and is also a risk factor for CVD, dementia, and all‐cause mortality.

Prescribing patterns and costs associated with erectile dysfunction drugs in England: a time trend analysis

“…14 All data were extracted, independently checked for accuracies and analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS V21. In the most deprived regions, the yearly increases in prescription items were 9% in 2016, 4.5% in 2017 and 4.4% and 5.0% in 2018 and 2019 respectively. An overall 25% increase in prescription items was observed from 2015 to 2019.…”

“…2 A systematic review reported that men with ED have an increased risk of all-cause mortality [OR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01-1.57] and CVD mortality [OR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.00-2.05]. 4 The global prevalence of ED has been estimated to range from 3% to 76.5%. 4 A significant number of patients are known to suffer in isolation and do not seek help.…”

“…4 The global prevalence of ED has been estimated to range from 3% to 76.5%. 4 A significant number of patients are known to suffer in isolation and do not seek help. Therefore, prevalence data are likely to be an under-estimate.…”

Is There a Role for Levo-Thyroxine for the Treatment of Arterial Erectile Dysfunction? The Clinical Relevance of the Mean Platelet Volume

“…Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined by the permanent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection adequate for sexual intercourse [1]. Its global prevalence has been esteemed up to 76.5%, being higher with increasing age [2].…”

Artificial intelligence, three‐dimensional printing and global health

“…Finally, the BJUI remains your global journal . We present an excellent epidemiological paper on erectile dysfunction, a worldwide problem, which is a must read for every practising urologist . We also focus on prostate cancer in Peru , where it is an increasing problem especially in the coastal regions .…”