• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation are the Most Frequently Self-Reported Sexual Concerns: Profiles of 9,536 Men Calling A Helpline

Papaharitou S, Athanasiadis L, Nakopoulou E, Kirana P, Portseli A, Iraklidou M, Hatzimouratidis K, Hatzichristou D; Eur Urol 2006;49: 557–563.

KEY WORDS: Sexual dysfunction, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Male sexual problems, Help-line, Sexual behavior, Help-seeking behavior

Medical advances in treatment of Erectile Disfunction (ED) motivated more patients with sexual concerns to consult their physicians, but embarrassment to address the problem in direct contact and lack of knowledge about treatment options objectively hind men’s help-seeking behaviour, Studies demonstrated that telephone help-lines, focusing on the general public, constitute effective communication channels for health education and counseling The authors describe the range of sexual problems, as reported by men calling a help-line and investigate factors associated with help seeking behaviour. The study included all calls between 1999 and 2004. The information used for analysis comprised caller’s demographic characteristics, the sexual problem reported, previous doctor contacts, coexisting physical and mental health problems.

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) were the most frequently reported problems (57 and 19.2% respectively). ED-reporting callers were older (OR 0.63 for the ages of 50–59 yrs), with co-morbidities (OR 1.75) and in stable relationship (OR 0.46), while PE-reporting callers were younger (OR 5.83 for the ages of 20–29 yrs), relatively healthy and more likely single (OR 2.62 and OR 2.92 respectively). Type and duration of sexual concern, age, coexisting health problems and marital status relate significantly ( p < 0.01) with willingness to seek medical help.
• The study demonstrates that ED and PE are men’s major sexual concerns with personal and interpersonal factors influencing their help-seeking behaviour. Help-lines can serve as a link between health services and callers, while provide useful information for policy formation and improvement of support services.

See the abstract

http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/eururo/article/PIIS0302283805005968/abstract