Comparative study of the characteristics of patients with erectile dysfunction and its initial management in different urology-andrology Spanish centres

Objetives: To determine the frequency of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the urology and andrology outpatient offices in our country, to define the epidemiological profile of patients and to analyse diagnosis and treatment regimens based on the centre's specialization treatment for ED. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-interventionist, national study in patients with ED aged 18 that were seen at the outpatient offices between November 2009 and February 2010. Ten urology-andrology centres took part in the study, one of which is specialised in the treatment of ED from a multidisciplinary approach. Socio-demographic, clinical, andrology and partner-related data were collected in a single visit. Complementary diagnostic tests as well as the management and treatment regimens of ED used as first therapeutic option were also collected. Results: Four hundred and five (405) patients aged 20-85 participated in the study. These patients were found to have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and abdominal obesity. Education and counselling regarding sex and partner-related aspects offered to the patient and an active approach to modifiable risk factors, in accordance with clinical practice guidelines for male sexual dysfunction, were implemented more frequently in centres specialised in the treatment of ED as compared to the rest of urology-andrology centres. Conclusion: The adaptation to the recommendations regarding the management of sexual dysfunction in males in our country, with the aim of providing a satisfactory response to the sexual and cardiovascular health of males, is still rather limited. Thus, a work of awareness and adaptation to new assessment tools and therapeutic approach given to this pathology by professionals working in this field of medicine is still much needed. (C) 2011 Asociacion Espanola de Andrologia, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.