OBJECTIVES: To characterize patient profiles of men asking for an erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment at the pharmacy METHODS: Multi-center, observational, cross-sectional study carried out in community pharmacies in Spain. Each investigator recruited one patient with a prescription for an ED treatment (Rx-group) and one patient that came into the pharmacy without prescription but asking for an ED treatment (Non-Rx group). Study pharmacists completed a questionnaire asking the patient demographic, clinical and behavioral questions including the SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men). RESULTS: A total of 574 pharmacists recruited 1147 patients, whereof 1113 (97%) were included for analysis. Mean age was 58.5 (age range 28-91) years for the Rx-group and 54.8 (age range 21-88) years for the Non- Rx group (p<0.001). There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding weight, BMI, known hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, depression and stress. Median SHIM score was 13.9 (95%CI = 13.5-14.4) and 14.0 (95%CI = 13.6-14.4) for the Rx and the Non-Rx group, respectively (p=0.7892). In the Non-Rx group, 85.1% of men asked for a PDE5 inhibitor and the remaining men asked for herbal remedies, food supplements or vitamins. Patients of both groups take about 25 months since the first symptoms until they present with a healthcare professional. In the Non-Rx group 60,2% stated that this visit in the pharmacy was the first time they had spoken with a Healthcare Professional about their erection problems. CONCLUSIONS: Men without a prescription for ED treatment have the same degree of ED and an equal co-morbidity profile as men who have a prescription for a PDE5 inhibitor. Therefore community pharmacists should be actively trained on this condition as they may play a relevant role by educating men about ED and encouraging them to seek further medical care, because ED might be a sign of underlying conditions.