Influence of age and changes over time on erectile dysfunction: Results from two large cross-sectional surveys 11 years apart

Abstract

Objective.The aim was to explore how erectile dysfunction (ED) correlates with increasing age and a number of demographic, physical and lifestyle factors. Material and methods. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample (10 458) of men living in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1992. The men were from the age cohorts 45, 50, 55 years, etc., up to the age of 85 or older. An analogous survey was sent to a random sample (10 845) of men of age cohorts 46, 51, 56 years, etc., in 2003. The prevalence of ED from the different age cohorts assessed on the two specific occasions 11 years apart was compared with a number of factors. Results.The response rates were 74.2% in 1992 and 68.7% in 2003. Within each survey the rate of ED increased with age at the same time as sexual activity decreased. This was paralleled by an increase in concomitant morbidity, intake of medications and alcohol consumption. The proportion of smokers and body mass index (BMI) decreased and the frequency of physical exercise increased until the age cohorts 70–71 years (1992) and 80–81 years (2003). Comparing the surveys, there was increased ED and decreased sexual activity over time despite an increase in exercise and decrease in smoking. In a multivariate analysis age, living alone, concomitant medication and smoking were the factors that significantly affected the risk of reporting ED. Conclusion. Despite a seemingly healthier lifestyle in 2003 compared with 1992, the rate of ED increased in the population, highlighting the importance of assessing lifestyle factors when examining ED patients.

Key Words::

• body mass index
• cross-sectional survey
• epidemiology
• erectile dysfunction
• physical exercise
• risk factors
• smoking

Acknowledgements

The study was supported by independent grants from the Gothenburg Medical Society, the Hjalmar Svenssons Fund, the Gun and Bertil Stohnes Fund, and Pfizer Inc.

Declaration of interest: JS has received honoraria for lectures at national/international meetings arranged by Astellas Pharma and Abbot Scandinavia AB. UMO and UMA are members of an advisory board sponsored by Pfizer and have received honoraria for lectures at national/international meetings arranged by Pfizer and Astellas. RP has been the recipient of honoraria for lectures at national/international meetings and for participation in meetings arranged by AstraZeneca, UCB Pharma, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Bayer, GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, MSD, Astra Tech, Coloplast, Prostalund, Medtronics and Q-med. IM is a member of advisory boards regarding lower urinary tract symptoms for Pfizer Inc., Astellas Pharma and Novartis; a recipient of research grants for epidemiological studies on urinary tract symptoms from Astellas Pharma and Pfizer Inc. to the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University; and a recipient of honoraria for lectures presented at national/international meetings from Pfizer Inc., Astellas Pharma, Novartis and Recordati.