Abstract
Background
Erectile dysfunction is common among men aged more than 60 years. Its cause involves
both physiologic and psychosocial factors.
Methods
To evaluate the effects of coital frequency on subsequent risk of erectile dysfunction,
data were analyzed from a population-based 5-year follow-up study that was conducted
in Pirkanmaa, Finland, using postal questionnaires. Assessment was based on the 5-item
version of the validated International Index of Erectile Function. Men with erectile
dysfunction at entry were excluded from the analysis. The study sample consisted of
989 men aged 55 to 75 years (mean 59.2 years). The most common comorbidities were
hypertension (32%), heart disease (12%), depression (7%), diabetes (4%,) and cerebrovascular
disorder (4%).
Results
The overall incidence of moderate or complete erectile dysfunction was 32 cases per
1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 27-38). After adjustment for comorbidity
and other major risk factors, men reporting intercourse less than once per week at
baseline had twice the incidence of erectile dysfunction compared with those reporting
intercourse once per week (79 vs 33/1000, incidence rate ratio 2.2, 95% CI, 1.3-3.8).
The risk of erectile dysfunction was inversely related to the frequency of intercourse.
No relationship between morning erections and incidence of moderate or severe erectile
dysfunction was found.
Conclusion
Regular intercourse protects against the development of erectile dysfunction among
men aged 55 to 75 years. This may have an impact on general health and quality of
life; therefore, doctors should support patients' sexual activity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 05, 2008
Footnotes
Dr Shiri is currently at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. Dr Auvinen is currently at the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
