Erectile Dysfunction Presents Large Global Health Burden

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a large global burden and is associated with increased risks for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and early death, according to a review published online in BJU International.

Anna Kessler, from King's College London, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to assess the global prevalence of erectile dysfunction as well as its association with physiological and pathological aging.

The researchers determined the global prevalence of ED ranged from 3 to 76.5 percent and found an association between ED and increasing age. Based on data from a questionnaire derived from the International Index of Erectile Function and the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a high prevalence of ED was identified in young men. There was a positive association between ED and cardiovascular disease and an increased risk for both all-cause mortality among men with ED (odds ratio, 1.26; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.57) and cardiovascular disease mortality (odds ratio, 1.43; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.00 to 2.05). Compared with men without ED, men with ED were 1.33 to 6.24 times more likely to have benign prostatic hyperplasia and 1.68 times more likely to develop dementia.

"Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, physicians should consider screening for ED in at-risk patients, as information may not be volunteered," the authors write.

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