Association between erectile dysfunction onset timing, online information seeking behavior, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 severity scores.

Background: The easy access to the Internet through smartphones leads to the immediate search for information when experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms, and this can lead to late medical attention.

Aim: This study assesses to identify the time between the onset of ED symptoms and the first time medical consultation and its correlation with searching for information on the Internet.

Methods: Data were collected using validated questionnaires and clinical interviews.

Outcomes: Search for information on the Internet, International Index of Erectile Function-5 severity score, time between onset of symptoms, and first time medical appointment were analyzed. Relations were stablished using t-test.

Results: Among 202 men, the average time between the onset of symptoms and first time medical appointment was 30.7 months. There is a correlation between ED severity and the first time medical appointment (P < .01). There is a statistically significant relationship between time for first medical appointment and searching for information on the Internet (P < .01). Patients who look for information on the Internet take less time for a first time medical appointment, unless they have severe ED (29.2 vs. 33.12 months).

Clinical implications: Medical information on the Internet should be trustworthy and lead the patients to attend medical consultation and diminish sexual dissatisfaction.

Strengths and limitations: Strengths include demographic heterogeneity, knowing the characteristics of the information found on the Internet, and a robust methodology. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and the sample size.

Conclusions: The availability of information on the Internet, often lacking scientific backing, has been identified as a factor contributing to delays in seeking professional care, with consequent risks to the patient's health. The significant delay observed in seeking medical consultation after the onset of ED suggests the existence of barriers that are not yet fully understood and warrant further in-depth study.