Erectile dysfunction epidemiology

Erectile dysfunction has been defined by the National Institute of Health (NIH) as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Discordant data have been reported on erectile dysfunction epidemiology with prevalence ranging from 12% to 52%. A recent study reported a prevalence of 12.8% in Italy (Foresta et al. 2005). French epidemiological studies estimate that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is between 11% and 44%. Prevalence surveys show a correlation with age the relative risk of erectile dysfunction increases by a factor of 2 to 4 between the ages of 40 and 70 years (Costa et al. 2005). 

Melman A and Gingell JC.The epidemiology and pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. J Urol 1999 161 5-11. 

Bortolotti A, Parazzini F Colli E, et al. The epidemiology of erectile dysfunction and its risk factors. Int J Androl 1997 20 323-334. 

Many epidemiologic studies have described the relationship between erectile dysfunction and increasing age, with a reported prevalence of 40% at age 40, compared to 70% by 70 years of age for severe erectile dysfunction, rates triple from 5% to 15% for men aged 40 compared to 70 (Feldman et al. 1994). 

Braun M, Wassmer G, Klotz T et al (2000) Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction results of the Cologne Male Survey. Int J Impot Res 12 305-311... 

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