1. ¹Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
2. ²Information Center for Sexuality and Health (ISG), Freiburg, Germany
3. ³Department of Urology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany

Correspondence: Dr MM Berner, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, 79104 Freiburg Germany. E-mail: michael.berner@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Received 4 April 2006; Revised 10 July 2006; Accepted 18 September 2006; Published online 15 February 2007.

Abstract

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence is high, patients and physicians often have problems discussing this issue. This study examines whether written information material increases motivation to seek treatment in patients with ED. For the study, persons were able to order information material about sexual problems within the context of a public campaign. From a total of 70 000 responders, 8000 persons were asked to fill out an epidemiological questionnaire. The response rate yielded 18.4%, the data of 1188 men with ED were analyzed. As a result of the information material, 28.3% of the untreated men intended to seek treatment and 38.5% of the men who had not spoken with their physician about their problem, planned to do so now. Nearly all responders were satisfied with the information material. These data reflect the usefulness of written information for men with ED. It not only serves as an informational source for patients but may also encourage them to seek treatment.