Communication of Erectile Dysfunction in the Physician's Surgery: Results of a Representative Survey

Overview

The authors examined a representative group of 2542 Czech men age 35-65 years with regard to their health status and incidence of erectile dysfunctions. Among the 54.1% of those who reported some form of impaired erection 51.5% suffered from mild erectile dysfunction. 26.1% from medium severe dysfunction and 22.4% respondents from severe dysfunction. It was found tkat middle aged men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction are seen most frequently by urologists (37% of their patients) and diabetologists (36% of their patients). 29% of patients of cardiologists and specialists in internal medicine suffer from this disorder. As many as 85% of men with erectile dysfunction never consulted their problem with a specialist. The reason for their lack of interest is above all passive acceptance of the disorder as a symptom of ageing and shyness to speak of these problems. In as many as four fifths of those who spoke with their doctor about their sexual problem the consultation was initiated by the patient. The great majority of respondents clearly welcomed a more active approach of the physician when dealing with this disorder.

Key words:
erectile dysfunction - communication - physician.