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Cited by 155Sexual function and dysfunction studiesUrological Disorders and TreatmentsMale Reproductive Health Studies

Drivers and barriers to seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction: A comparison of six countries

Shabsigh, Ridwan, Perelman, Michael A., Laumann, Edward O., Lockhart, Daniel C.·2004·BJU International
DOI 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2004.05104.x
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of treatment-seeking behaviour in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and the predictors (correlates) of individual drivers and barriers to seeking treatment. Although the prevalence and epidemiology of ED have been reviewed, there is little information about the treatment-seeking behaviour of men with this disorder. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from the Cross-National Survey on Male Health Issues conducted between March and September 2000 were assessed by multivariate analysis. A cohort of 32 644 men aged 20-75 years was recruited during visits to their physicians. The men completed a short screening questionnaire, covering their overall health, and prostate, urinary and erectile problems. Men identified as having ED completed a detailed follow-up questionnaire. Logistic regression methods were used to identify predictors of treatment-seeking behaviour, and individual drivers and barriers to seeking treatment. RESULTS: Most men with ED had not sought treatment. The analyses suggested that ED, in conjunction with a desire to have sex, was necessary for men to seek treatment. Men seeking treatment commonly identified themselves as self-motivated or that they were influenced by a spouse or sex partner. The youngest group (20-39 years) was least likely to seek treatment. Among those who did not seek treatment, younger men were likely to believe that their ED would resolve spontaneously, whereas older men resisted seeking treatment because they felt that ED was a natural part of ageing. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this survey of men using the healthcare system confirmed other population-based reports that a minority of men with ED seek treatment. Subset analyses showed that treatment-seeking behaviour tended to be driven primarily by the man or by his sex partner. Common barriers to seeking treatment included the belief that ED would resolve spontaneously (younger men) and that ED was a normal part of ageing (older men).

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  • Barriers to seeking treatment for ED include embarrassment, communication problems between partners, low self-confidence, self and partner blaming, feeling older, inaccurate information, and limited understanding of ED.

    “Research has identified several barriers to seeking treatment for ED. In addition to feeling embarrassed, communication problems between partners, low self-confidence, self and partner blaming, and feeling older, also inaccurate information and limited understanding of ED may prevent men and their partners from seeking help.59,96,97”

    From A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM) (2021) · cites this paper as [97]

  • Indicators for seeking treatment for ED include desire to have sex, duration of the condition, partner insistence, awareness of treatment options, and affordability of treatment.

    “Indicators for seeking treatment, on the other hand, are desire to have sex, duration of the condition, partner insistence, awareness of treatment options, and affordability of treatment.96,97”

    From A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM) (2021) · cites this paper as [97]

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Authors
Shabsigh, R., Perelman, M. A., Laumann, E. O., & Lockhart, D. C.
Affiliations
  • Columbia University (US)
  • Weill Cornell Medical Center (US)
  • University of Chicago (US)
  • Eli Lilly (United States) (US)
Corresponding author
Shabsigh, Ridwan
ORCID
Perelman, Michael A.
Venue
BJU International
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2004-11
Volume
94
Issue
7
Pages
1055-1065
ISSN
  • 1464-4096 (ISSN-L)
  • 1464-410X
DOI
10.1111/j.1464-410x.2004.05104.x
OpenAlex
W2025162207
Cited by
155
References
20
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 7
FWCI
5.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 9 d)
Locations
  • British Journal of Urology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Eli Lilly and Company
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Urology › Urological Disorders and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Male Reproductive Health Studies
Keywords
erectile dysfunction, treatment-seeking behavior, barriers to treatment, male sexual health, age differences, partner influence, cross-national comparison
MeSH terms
Europe, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Erectile Dysfunction, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological, United States, Prevalence, Age Distribution

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