How do men perceive erectile dysfunction and its treatment? A qualitative study on opinions of men.
BACKGROUND
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical disorder affecting the aging male. A man's perception of a disease affects his health seeking behaviour. This study aimed to explore perceptions of ED among men with ED and how these perceptions came about.


METHODS
This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews involving 17 urban men aged between 40 and 75 years old.


RESULTS
Misconceptions existed regarding the definitions of ED. Most men perceived impotence to be more serious than ED. Although most were aware of the medical causes of ED, 'overuse of penis' and black magic were mentioned as culturally-related causes. ED was perceived as a serious problem associated with loss of manhood and it had a significant impact on relationships with their partners. However, some adopted an 'accepting' view and attributed it to aging and fate. Most men were only familiar with PDE-5 inhibitors and traditional therapies. PDE-5 inhibitors were perceived to be effective but they were concerned about side effects and costs.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying men's perceptions of ED and its treatment would help doctors in their consultation, and inform health policy makers in planning appropriate public education and services.
Low
Wah-Yun
WY
Health Research Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 7Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. lowwy@um.edu.my
Ng
Chirk-Jenn
CJ
Choo
Wan-Yuen
WY
Tan
Hui-Meng
HM
D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D054706:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; D054706:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5; C517381:PDE5A protein, human