Erectile dysfunction and associated risk factors among young Mexican adults: The importance of partner availability

Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence of ED and associated risk factors among young Mexicans between 18 and 40 years of age.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study was conducted. Data collection was achieved through a questionnaire. Participants completed the Urologic Health Survey for Men and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. The study also included sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual behavior variables.

Results

Of the 373 questionnaires filled out, only 160 were answered completely and used for the analysis. The mean age was 25.59 ± 5.45 years. The prevalence of ED was 33.7% (mild 17.5%, mild-to-moderate 8.1%, moderate 6.3%, and severe 1.9%). The mean score for non-ED males was 24.38 ± 0.94 versus 15.41 ± 4.81 in the ED group. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in the items of age (p < 0.01), having a stable sexual partner (p < 0.01), sleeping with the sexual partner (p < 0.01), sexual orientation (p = 0.04), and the number of sexual intercourse episodes per week (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis “Not having a stable sexual partner” remained a significant risk factor (p = 0.027, OR = 2.60 [CI 1.11–6.08]).

Conclusions

In our study, young Mexican adults had an ED prevalence of 33.7% and most of the cases were mild (17.5%). Partner availability was important. No organic variables were related to ED.