Sex life after 65: how does erectile dysfunction affect ageing and elderly men?
BACKGROUND
We report the findings pertinent to the ageing and elderly participants of a population-based study of erectile dysfunction (ED).


METHODS
We examined the sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported morbidities and responses to the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) of participants aged > or = 65 years and > or = 80 years.


RESULTS
Most (73%) participants were married or had partners. Among the participants aged > or = 65 years, the prevalence of ED (IIEF-5 scores <22) was 67% and of severe ED (IIEF-5 scores <8) 48%. About 32% were sexually active, and 11% had regular sexual intercourse. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was reported in 37% and diabetes mellitus (DM) in 13%, with odds of ED at 3.91 and 4.68, respectively. Among those aged > or = 80 years, the prevalence of ED was 68% and of severe ED 57%. About 12% were sexually active, and 3% had regular sexual intercourse. CVD was reported in 44% and DM in 11%, with corresponding odds of ED at 2.55 and 2.90.


CONCLUSIONS
Most ageing and elderly men are in a relationship and many are sexually active. ED is prevalent and severe. Morbidities are common and significantly associated with ED, impairing the sex lives of affected men.
Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. kewkimchew@hotmail.com
Kew-Kim
KK
Chew
Alexandra
A
Bremner
Bronwyn
B
Stuckey
Carolyn
C
Earle
Konrad
K
Jamrozik
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019529:Sexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology