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

Abstract

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.

Sexuality and subjective wellbeing in male patients with congenital heart disease

“…In a cross-national, population-based survey in five European countries and the United States, the prevalence of ED among men younger than 40 years ranged from about 2% to 9% 25. Nevertheless, a prevalence of ED >10% may be found among men under 40 years of age, an example for this being provided by a survey conducted in Austria, where a prevalence of 25% was found,26 and one in Israel, with a prevalence of 22% being found among men in the Israel Defence Forces 27. Both of these studies used classifications based on the IIEF.…”

Short-term use of sildenafil in the treatment of unconsumated marriages

“…Other forms of ED also appear to be prevalent among young men in the Middle East. Heruti et al, 7 conducted a large-scale study that included 5836 young men and reported a 22.1% prevalence of ED in men under the age of 40 years based on low SHIM scores (o21). Clearly Public awareness and sex education programs are needed to help young men and women understand and cope with this disorder.…”

Worry, Desire, and Sexual Satisfaction and Their Association with Severity of ED and Age

“…Measures used in this study are described below. The quantification of ED followed the EF domain (six items) of the IIEF, facilitating the differentiation between no ED (score [26][27][28][29][30], mild ED (score [22][23][24][25], mild to moderate ED (score 17-21), moderate ED (score [11][12][13][14][15][16], and severe ED (score 1-10) [31]. ED was defined as an EF score between 1 and 25.…”

“…Likely for methodological differences, results from surveys indicate a large variation in the prevalence of ED ranging between 15% and 50% [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. In Germany, recent data point to 19-48% men affected [4,19].…”