OBJECTIVES

The objective of this literature review was to characterize the contemporary quality of life (QOL) and economic burden of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, their partners, and their employers.

METHODS

A literature review was undertaken to identify original research studies published over the past 20 years that assessed the impact of ED on a patient’s QOL, a partner’s QOL, or on work productivity. Studies were included if they focused on any of these domains and reported the comparative burden in participants with ED versus participants without ED. Fifteen studies were selected for inclusion.

RESULTS

ED is associated with many psychosocial problems in men such as poor self-esteem, depression, frustration, anxiety, lack of sexual confidence, and limited intimacy. Consequently, men with ED have a poorer QOL than men without ED (n=9 studies). For example, results from a global burden of illness study showed that men with ED report substantially lower SF-36 Mental and Physical Component Summary scores and SF‐6D scores compared to men with no ED (p<0.001). Similarly, an ED patient’s partner is also negatively impacted by ED due to relationship difficulties and decreased sexual satisfaction (n=3 studies). Results from the Female Experience of Men’s Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality study showed that women were significantly less satisfied and engaged in sexual activity less frequently after their partner developed ED (p<0.001). ED also poses a substantial economic burden on employers (n=3 studies). For example, an observational study in men aged 40-70 showed that men with ED had significantly higher rates of absenteeism (2x) and work productivity impairment compared to men without ED (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This contemporary review demonstrates that ED imposes a substantial QOL and economic burden on men, their partners, and their employers. There is a need for better management of and access to appropriate ED treatments to help alleviate this burden.