Prevalence and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction in Iranian Diabetic Men

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an important impediment to quality of life. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of ED. However, it has been one of the most neglected complications of diabetes mellitus. Our objective was to study the prevalence of ED and its risk factors in Iranian diabetic men. During 2002-2004, 700 diabetic men aged 20-69 years were interviewed to report on their experience of ED as defined in the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference 1993. ED was found in 246 (35.1%) of this population. Prevalence of ED was increased with age from 9.7% in men aged 20-39 years to 43.4% in those aged over 60 years (P < 0.001). Men with type I diabetes reported ED less frequently than did men with type II diabetes (P = 0.037). In comparison with patients with reported diabetes lasting ≤ 5 years (25.4%), the prevalence of ED was less than in those with diabetes of 6-11 years (34.3%) and of 12-30 years (43.5%, P < 0.001). ED increased significantly in those who had poor glycemic control. Prevalence of ED in patients with good, fair and poor glycemic control was 28.4%, 39.9% and 44.4% respectively (P = 0.004). Type of treatment (diet alone, oral agents, insulin and insulin plus oral agents) had significant association with ED and its severity (P < 0.001). ED is common in Iranian diabetic men but its prevalence can be reduced with good glycemic control.