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.
Chew
Kew-Kim
KK
Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. kewkimchew@hotmail.com
Bremner
Alexandra
A
Stuckey
Bronwyn
B
Earle
Carolyn
C
Jamrozik
Konrad
K
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