Question:
Erectile dysfunction more common in the obese: results of the erectile dysfunction observational study?!
Answer:
Erectile dysfunction more common in the obese: results of the erectile
dysfunction observational study. J Sex Med. 2006 May;3(3):530-40.
Treatment-seeking behavior of erectile dysfunction patients in europe:
results of the erectile dysfunction observational study.
Haro JM, Beardsworth A, Casariego J, Gavart S, Hatzichristou D,
Martin-Morales A, Schmitt H, Mirone V, Needs N, Riley A, Varanese L,
von Keitz A, Kontodimas S.Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Esplugues de
Llobregat, Spain.
ABSTRACT Introduction. The Erectile Dysfunction Observational Study
(EDOS) is a 6-month, pan-European prospective, observational study of
health outcomes designed to assess patients' profiles and
characteristics and the effectiveness of erectile dysfunction (ED)
treatment in routine clinical practice
Aim. To present baseline characteristics and treatment-seeking behavior
of a large sample of ED patients recruited in real-life clinical
settings. Methods. Men aged 18 years and older who visited a physician
to initiate or change any ED treatment were enrolled in EDOS. They were
assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months as part of their normal
course of care in nine European countries.
Main Outcome Measures. Sexual health outcomes using the short form of
the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales. Treatment
effectiveness and satisfaction were assessed using the International
Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, Global Assessment Questions,
and further single-item questions.
Results. Of the 8,186 patients enrolled by 904 investigators (69%
general practitioners [GPs]) across nine European countries, 8,055
patients were eligible for analysis at baseline; 63.9% were ED
treatment-naive. Of the total patient population, mean age was 56.5
years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.2 kg/m(2), 18.3% were obese
(BMI > 30 kg/m(2)), 42.5% had severe ED, and there was a high frequency
of comorbidities and concomitant medication use. A similar proportion
of the treatment-naive patients were seen by GPs (62.9%) and
specialists (65.8%). In the treatment-naive group, there was a higher
frequency of severe ED among ex-smokers, obese patients, and in those
who drank no alcohol or excessive amounts of alcohol.
Conclusions. Unmet need of treatment in ED is high; 66% of patients had
experienced ED symptoms for 1 year or longer when they were looking for
treatment. Severity seems to be related to treatment seeking.
