Nature Journal: Latest Malaysian Study Reveals High Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) among Men

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is characterized as “the consistent or recurrent inability to attain and maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse”. The global prevalence of ED is anticipated to rise, estimated within a range of 3–76.5%. Projections indicate that by 2025, 322 million men worldwide will be impacted by ED, a significant increase from 152 million men in 1995. 

Prevalence of ED Among Malaysian Men

Among 2,403 men aged 18 years and above who were enrolled into and participated the study, an overall prevalence of moderate to severe ED was reported at 31.6%.

Every two in three men aged above 60 years (64.1%) reported moderate to severe ED. This is three times more likely than the 31–59 years group. 

Surprisingly, the study noted a high prevalence of moderate to severe ED among young men (18–30 years old) at 32.7%, possibly attributed to psychological factors such as inexperience, performance anxiety, and life pressures. 

Factors Associated With ED

Factors associated with moderate to severe ED included age as aforementioned, marital status (single or divorced men showed a significant association), education level (lower education linked to higher odds of ED), and occupation (non-governmental employees more likely to have ED than government employees).

The study also demonstrated higher ED prevalence among men with underlying medical conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking, although there were no statistical significance. Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles were strongly associated with ED.

Immediate Attention to Tackle ED

  1. Initiating a structured sexual reproductive health education, tailored to the diverse cultural landscape of Malaysia, should commence at an early age.

  2. Championing the expansion of health promotion services, focusing on curbing the progression of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and unhealthy lifestyles through engaging talks, campaigns, and social media advocacy.

  3. Collaborative efforts involving multiple agencies are essential to heighten awareness of sexual reproductive health within the community.

  4. Healthcare professionals should further equip themselves with knowledge and training programs for the effective diagnosis and management of Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

References

Rezali, Muhammad Solihin, et al. "Prevalence and associated factors of moderate to severe erectile dysfunction among adult men in Malaysia." Scientific Reports 13.1 (2023): 21483.