Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the US.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey of a representative population sample (NHANES).
PubMed 17275456 · doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.06.010
What was done
Cross-sectional analysis of 2,126 adult male participants (aged ≥20 years) from the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), representative of the noninstitutionalized US adult male population. Erectile dysfunction was assessed using a single question during a self-paced, computer-assisted interview.
What was found
The overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men aged ≥20 years was 18.4% (95% CI, 16.2–20.7), corresponding to an estimated 18 million US men (95% CI, 16–20). Among men with diabetes, the crude prevalence was 51.3% (95% CI, 41.9–60.7). Prevalence was positively related to age and remained elevated among men with hypertension, cardiovascular disease history, or one or more cardiovascular risk factors after age adjustment. In multivariable analyses, erectile dysfunction was significantly and independently associated with diabetes, lower educational attainment, and lack of physical activity.
Why it matters
It establishes US population-level prevalence estimates for erectile dysfunction and highlights strong associations with modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle.
Limits
The cross-sectional design cannot establish causal or temporal relationships. Erectile dysfunction status relied entirely on a single self-reported question rather than a validated multi-item scale or clinical assessment. Institutionalized individuals were excluded.
Cited by
- context There are approximately 30 million men with erectile dysfunction in the United States.