Is Reddit a reliable source for information on erectile dysfunction treatment?

Abstract

Patients may turn to social media websites, such as Reddit, for information on erectile dysfunction prior to seeking care from a physician. We sought to identify, characterize, and assess the quality of the erectile dysfunction treatments discussed on the highly influential Reddit website. We assessed 2634 comments from two subreddits, r/AskMen and r/ErectileDysfunction, for positive and negative statements regarding treatments for erectile dysfunction. A total of 45 unique treatments were discussed and consisted of changes in sexual behavior (30%), lifestyle changes (29%), medical interventions (23%), talking with a partner about ED (10%), and use of supplements (8%). Only 24.4% of all treatments discussed are in line with current American Urological Association guidelines. Only 43.8% of all positive statements made endorsed a guidelines-based treatment, indicating a high rate of self-proclaimed success with alternative therapies. Our results indicate that there is active discussion of erectile dysfunction treatment on Reddit with a wide range of therapies recommended, however, the majority of the recommendations are not supported by strong clinical evidence.

Fig. 1. Outline of research methods.

Prisma diagram depicting the methods of including and excluding Reddit threads in the analysis.

Fig. 2. Recommended ED therapies by category.

Pie chart depicting the distribution of therapies by category including changes in sexual behaviors, lifestyle changes, medical interventions, talking with partner about ED, and supplements.

Fig. 3. Positive and negative theme distribution and relative frequency of treatment discussions by category.

Bar graphs depicting the relative positive and negative theme distribution of each treatment mentioned in the Reddit threads. A Changes in sexual behavior, B Lifestyle changes, C Medical interventions, and D Supplements.

Fig. 4. Positive and negative theme distribution and relative frequency of AUA Guideline-Congruent Treatments.

Bar graph depicting the relative positive and negative theme distribution of each treatment mentioned in Reddit threads that were congruent with the AUA guidelines.