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Quality and benefits of the erectile dysfunction information on websites, social-media, and applications

International Journal of Impotence Research (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to obtain and maintain an erection that enables satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED prevalence vary across age groups, affecting approximately 1–9% of men under 40, 2–9% of those aged 40–59, and increasing to 20–40% for those aged 60–69. However, it remains a frequently untreated or insufficiently treated condition. Especially due to the feeling of discomfort and guilt, patients often avoid consulting their physicians; in this context, digital innovation could potentially play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of ED. This narrative review depicts the ongoing status of digital innovations in ED focusing on websites, social media platforms and mobile health applications (MHA). We examined Google, social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok), and the recently developed MHA apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Websites provide readily available but sometimes difficult to understand information, while social media is easy to understand and act on. MHA apps are the most complete and trustworthy tool for self-care management. In conclusion, digital innovations are a continuously growing source of information and therapeutic tools.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Urology Section, Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

    Giorgio Ivan Russo & Maria Giovanna Asmundo

  2. Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark

    Emil Durukan & Mikkel Fode

  3. Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Mikkel Fode

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  1. Giorgio Ivan Russo
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  2. Maria Giovanna Asmundo
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  3. Emil Durukan
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  4. Mikkel Fode
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Contributions

Conceptualization and methodology: MF; writing—original draft preparation: MF, GIR, and MGA; writing—review and editing: MF, GIR, MGA, and ED. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Giorgio Ivan Russo.

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MF is a speaker for Boston Scientific. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Russo, G.I., Asmundo, M.G., Durukan, E. et al. Quality and benefits of the erectile dysfunction information on websites, social-media, and applications. Int J Impot Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00725-1

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