title: Increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED): results of the second epidemiological study on sexual activity and prevalence of ED in Thai males.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to investigate changes in sexual activity and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Thai males. In addition, the treatment-seeking behaviour of Thai patients suffering from ED is also investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross sectional study using a standardized questionnaire with a multi-stage stratified random sampling, 2,269 men aged 40-70 were interviewed. The questionnaire was designed to investigate the effects of socioeconomic factors, medical conditions and unhealthy lifestyles on the development of ED. Furthermore, the questionnaire was designed to characterize the treatment-seeking behaviour of Thai patients suffering from ED.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the first report dated the year 2000, the prevalence of ED has increased from 37.5% to 42.18%. In terms of socioeconomic factors, the highest prevalence of ED was observed among unemployed men (78.51%). Prostatism and/or prostatitis (Odd ratios (OR) = 2.02) and long histories of smoking (more than 30 years, OR = 2.36) were identified as statistically significant risk factors for ED, with p-values of <0.001. It is important to notice that 38.78% of the ED patients wanted to discuss their problem with spouses or partners. Three quarters of the ED patients (74.54%) preferred oral medication as therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The epidemiology of ED in Thailand is changing. An increased prevalence of ED does require further epidemiological studies on a regular basis in order to better understand the etiology of ED and look for measures (such as education) to counter the disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. permpongkosol@gmail.com
authors.forename: Sompol
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Permpongkosol
authors.forename: Apichat
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kongkakand
authors.forename: Kirsada
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ratana-Olarn
authors.forename: Anupan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tantiwong
authors.forename: Kavirach
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tantiwongse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology