Treatment expectations of men with ED and their female partners: an exploratory qualitative study based on grounded theory

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can impair the quality of life and the relationship. An early treatment is necessary to avoid the development of comorbid complaints. To arise the help-seeking behavior and to improve the treatment of affected men, it is necessary to be aware of the treatment expectations. The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment expectations of men with ED and their female partners. This is an explorative qualitative study using semistructured telephone interviews with 12 men with ED and their female partners. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analyzed on the basis of the grounded theory. We could identify various treatment expectations, which could be differentiated into expectations according to the conditions (for example, low costs and an early access), the handling of the practitioner (for example, showing interest and taking the patient seriously or incorporate the female partner), the treatment itself (for example, clearing the causes and helpful medication) and the treatment outcome (for example, having no ED and more sexual desire). Considering the identified expectations could increase treatment motivation and compliance. We derive five theses from our data, how to implement our findings.

Role of lifestyle and psychological variables in erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study

“…[6][7][8] Embarrassment and disbeliefs regarding treatment among the patients, improper expertise of health providers and hostile atmosphere in the health institutions has been often implicated in deficiency of treatment seeking behavior among patients of ED. 9,10 As such, a thorough work-up including elicitation of risk factors coupled with necessary laboratory tests and integrated with clinical picture helps to diagnose and develop a treatment plan to manage these patients effectively. 11 Different protocols of diagnosis and treatment have always been the matter of interest for clinicians worldwide with the problem still showing a significant prevalence.…”

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Quality of Life among Diabetic Men Living with Erectile Dysfunction

“…Nevertheless, the findings of our study indicate that most men living with DED have concerns about their social relationships, especially marriage. Erectile problems also cause a problem with their role as a husband, since they cannot satisfy their partners' desires [13,14,29]. This is further evidence that men who have erectile difficulty need support and understanding about their sex lives from both their partners and their health care providers.…”

“…This could relate to the duration of having DED and self-adjustment, as mild DED is generally seen in the early stages of erectile difficulty [28]. Subjects in the early stages of erectile difficulty may need to cope with a notable decrease in their sexual performance, as well as a perceived loss of manhood and gender role, e.g., the role of husband [16,29]. Perhaps this could explain why it is associated with reduced QoL, as they could not sexually satisfy their partners [30], whereas those who have more severe DED are familiar and have more experience adjusting to their impotence, as DED is a chronic condition that develops over time [31].…”

Men’s views on causes and consequences of erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation in a primary care population: a qualitative study

“…[ 4 , 5 , 18 , 19 , 22 ] Studies on barriers to seeking help have identified, for instance, perceptions that ED is a normal effect of ageing [ 23 ] and that the physician would dismiss sexual difficulties as trivial. [ 24–25 ] In our study, we asked for motives for actually seeking help, rather than what hinders it. Fear of illness was one important reason, which has previously not received much attention in primary health care.…”