The etiology of erectile dysfunction and contributing factors in different age groups in Turkey

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the pathophysiological factors which cause erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as the risk factors in different age groups in Turkey.

Methods: A total of 948 patients with ED who were admitted to three andrology clinics were evaluated in terms of etiological factors. They underwent a multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation. Erectile dysfunction was classified as primarily organic, primarily psychogenic, mixed or unknown in etiology.

Results: Psychogenic ED was diagnosed in 65.4% of the patients and organic ED was diagnosed in 34.6% of patients overall. In patients under 40 years, the rate of psychogenic ED was 83% and the rate of organic ED was 17%, but in the patients over 40 years, the rate of psychogenic ED was 40.7% and the rate of organic ED was 59.3%. The causes of organic ED were identified as arteriogenic ED, 40.5%; cavernosal factor (venogenic) ED, 10%; neurogenic ED, 12.5%; endocrinologic ED, 1.8%; mixed type ED, 11.8%; and drug induced ED, 4.5%.

Conclusion: Our data represent a higher ratio of ED in patients under 40, which are mostly psychogenic, This finding potentially results from local social and cultural differences.