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Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of population-based studies

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 14, pages 422–432 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population. Studies were retrieved which reported prevalence rates of ED in the general population. Using a specially developed criteria list, the methodological quality of these studies was assessed and data on prevalence rates were extracted. We identified 23 studies from Europe (15), USA (5), Asia (2) and Australia (1). On our 12-item criteria list, the methodological quality ranged from 5 to 12. The prevalence of ED ranged from 2% in men younger than 40 y to 86% in men 80 y and older. Comparison between prevalence data is hampered by major methodological differences between studies, particularly in the use of various questionnaires and different definitions of ED. We stress the importance of providing all necessary information when reporting on the prevalence of ED. Moreover, international studies should be conducted to establish the true prevalence of ED across countries.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mrs Arianne Verhagen for her methodological comments and suggestions on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Practice, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    J Prins, M H Blanker, A M Bohnen & S Thomas

  2. Department of Urology, University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    J Prins & J L H R Bosch

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  1. J Prins
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  2. M H Blanker
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  3. A M Bohnen
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  5. J L H R Bosch
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Correspondence to M H Blanker.

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Prins, J., Blanker, M., Bohnen, A. et al. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of population-based studies. Int J Impot Res 14, 422–432 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900905

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