A Survey of Erectile Dysfunction in Taiwan: Use of the Erection Hardness Score and Quality of Erection Questionnaire

Abstract

Introduction There are currently no studies in the Asia-Pacific region using the erection hardness score (EHS) and Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ) to assess erectile dysfunction (ED). Aims To provide up-to-date data on the prevalence of ED in Taiwanese men and to validate the EHS and QEQ in this population. Methods A representative sample of 1,060 men aged ≥30 years completed a telephone interview. ED status was confirmed via direct questioning and using the abridged five-item version of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Responses regarding EHS, QEQ, marital and sexual satisfaction, and attitude to treatment were also recorded. Main Outcome Measures IIEF, EHS, and QEQ. Results The prevalence of ED, as defined by IIEF-5, was 27% among all respondents and 29% among those aged ≥40 years. Although, the prevalence of ED increased with age, men of all ages tended to underestimate their erectile problems. Among men who indicated that they did not have ED, 25% were found to have mild to moderate ED according to the IIEF-5 assessment. An EHS ≤3, indicating the presence of ED, was reported in 26% of men. The EHS was consistent with the QEQ: When the EHS was 4, the satisfaction of each domain of QEQ ranged from 85% to 90%. The QEQ score correlated well with the IIEF-5 score and significantly affected both sexual and marital satisfaction (P <0.005). Conclusions These data indicate that EHS is a simple, practical tool for clinical use. QEQ scores appear to be independently associated with sexual and marital satisfaction, and may be of value in the assessment and monitoring of ED patients. While ED is a common health problem in Taiwan and the prevalence of ED increases with age, affected men lack awareness regarding the presence of erectile problems and the importance of initiating timely and effective treatment.

What Is the Definition of a Satisfactory Erectile Function After Bilateral Nerve Sparing Radical Prostatectomy?

“…Our aim was instead to evaluate the degree of patient satisfaction when either unassisted or medically assisted EF recovery (defined using different IIEF‐EF domain score cut‐offs) was achieved. Finally, despite previous studies have reported a significant association between EF and patient satisfaction [27,30], it is possible that other outcomes not considered in this study (i.e., improvement in couple relationship and in ED‐related distress, bother, and anxiety) might represent more accurate end points to be associated with EF recovery after surgery.…”

Serum Uric Acid Is Associated with Erectile Dysfunction: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Men

“…The prevalence of ED in our study (62.4%) is similar to several population-based studies 10–12 . Given the geographical and cultural variation, the statistical data of the prevalence of ED range from 16.1% to 80.8% 11, 13–15 with considerable differences. Hence, ED is a worldwide detriment to male health, and the influential factors need to be well clarified for diagnose and treatment.…”

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“…ED is an important worldwide issue, affecting 152 million men in 1995 and 322 million men in 2025 and negatively impacts life quality, self-esteem, and intimacy [2], [3]. One telephone survey of ED prevalence in Taiwan reported that nearly thirty percent of men over 30 years had ED [4]. This medical problem has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and low-grade vascular inflammation and often clusters with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome [5], [6], [7].…”