Introduction: Apart from knowledge on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), for clinical reasons it is important to obtain information on concern or bother and need for help. However, information is lacking on men with ED who need help but do not seek medical attention. Thus, this study aimed to assess the distribution of bother, acceptance, and need for help in men with ED, and assess characteristics of patients with ED in need for help but not receiving medical attention for ED.
Methods: A total of 5,721 men aged 18 years and older and registered in 12 general practices in the middle of the Netherlands were sent a questionnaire by mail about sexual problems, ED, need for help, and medical attention. Out of 2,117 questionnaires that were returned, 1,481 were completed on ED, bother, and need for help.
Results: The prevalence of ED (according to World Health Organization definition) in the 1,481 men was 14.2%. Of these men 67.3% were bothered, 68.7% did not accept ED, and 85.3% wanted help. Surprisingly, 41.9% of men who denied a need for help were bothered and 19.4% did not accept ED. Only 10.4% of men with ED received any medical care. Bother in men with ED was related to increasing age (decreasing above 60 years). Compared with men who already received help for ED, men who wanted help but did not receive it more often suffered from diabetes, neurological problems, and various cardiovascular problems. On the other hand, history of myocardial infarction increased the chance of getting adequate medical attention for ED.
Conclusions: The majority of men with ED are concerned or bothered and perceive a need for help. Most of them do not receive any medical attention. These men are characterized by chronic medical conditions, visiting the physician's office regularly for their medical condition.