Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) reported in the general population range widely. There do not appear to have been studies using well standardised measures of ED in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia. The current study investigated the level of ED in an Australian MSM population.
A cross-sectional internet survey of Australian MSM was undertaken. Participants completed the MSM version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-MSM) together with age. Results are analysed using the 6 question ED score (EF-6) for those who attempted active anal intercourse (AAI) and those who attempted all forms of sex (AFS) [AAI, passive anal intercourse & non-intercourse sexual activity e.g. masturbation/oral sex] in the past 4 weeks.
The mean age for the whole sample (N = 473), AAI group (n = 324) and for AFS group (n = 237) were: 40.8, (±13.4), 40.1, (±12.9) and 39.7 (± 13.3) years respectively. EF-6 scores [mean (±SD)] were 20.7 (±7.3) for AAI and 21.4 (±7.6) for AFS group. Significant negative correlations were found between age and EF-6 for AAI (R = – 0.391, p <0.0001) and AFS (R = – 0.386; p < 0.0001). EF-6 scores < 16, suggesting moderate to severe ED, were found in 29.6% and 28.3% of the AAI and AFS groups respectively. ED rates of >40.0% were found in the >50 year olds.
This appears to be the first Australian study using the IIEF-MSM assessing the level of moderate to severe ED in MSM. The study found higher ED rates with increasing age. Rates of ED were higher compared to one large international study but similar to those in a study of HIV positive MSM in Europe. Both studies used MSM versions of the IIEF.
