Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients consulting urological clinics: the ENJEU survey (one day national survey on prevalence of male sexual dysfunction among men consulting urologists)

Objective. - The objective of this survey was to describe medical reasons disclosed by men over 18 years old when visiting an urologist, to estimate the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) including erectile dysfunction (ED) and to describe treatment options for ED. Methods. - This survey was performed, with Urology French Association (AFU) partnership, in 150 urological clinics, sample representative of urologists in France regarding age, geographical distribution and practice. The survey was proposed to all adults' men consulting a participating urologist the defined day (Tuesday the 19th of June 2007 or an imminent day). A total of 1848 (92.5%) patients agreed to participate; analysis was performed on 1740 patients. Information related to urological disorders, sexual dysfunctions, their treatment and their impact on the patient's life were gathered by a patient auto-questionnaire. Erectile dysfunction was assessed through the single question of John B. McKinlay. Results. - Among patients (mean age 63 +/- 14 years), 68% (IC 95% = [65.2%; 70.7%]) had ED (44% severe); 25% were treated (of which 2/3 with IPDE5 alone or in association). Male sexual dysfunction was the first reason for visiting urologists (14%) following prostatic diseases (62%). About 60% of the patients had already talked about their ED to a physician, who was an urologist in 44.6% of cases. The perspective of living the rest of their life with this trouble was "unacceptable" for 21.1% of patients with ED and "fairly acceptable" for 34.4%. Conclusions. - This first survey in French urologists' community emphasizes the high prevalence male sexual dysfunctions for inpatients visiting their urologists. Despite declared urologists' interest for male sexual dysfunction, the discrepancy between the high prevalence of ED and the low rate of patients consulting for this condition probably explains the low rate of patients using treatments. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.