One in Five Spaniards Suffers from Undiagnosed Erectile Dysfunction.

One in five Spaniards is affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that impacts men of all ages, specifically between 25 and 70 years old. However, it is concerning that 75% of these cases remain undiagnosed, according to a review of studies conducted by the Institute of Advanced Urological Surgery (ICUA) in the context of World Sexual Health Day, celebrated on September 4th. Dr. Luis Llanes, a specialist in the Area of Lithiasis and Endourology at ICUA, points out that the underdiagnosis of ED is due to several factors, such as the social stigma surrounding the condition and many men’s tendency to self-medicate, which complicates the pursuit of specialized medical attention.

The percentage of men suffering from ED increases with age: 8.6% of men aged 25 to 39 experience it, a figure that rises to 13.7% among those aged 40 to 49, and up to 49% in the age group of 60 to 70 years. This indicates that nearly two million males in Spain could be dealing with this condition. In fact, around 55.9% of those affected do not express concern about their erectile difficulties, with this lack of worry being more notable in the older population. A study indicates that only 23.4% of men with ED have received an appropriate diagnosis.

Additionally, a recent analysis in a specialized media outlet reveals that, although nearly half of the surveyed men acknowledge the need for treatment, over half have not sought medical attention at clinics dedicated to this issue. Dr. Llanes emphasizes that erectile dysfunction causes feelings of shame, leading to delays in diagnoses.

The causes of ED are diverse and include circulation problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors. Diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, and arteriosclerosis directly affect erectile capability, while stress and anxiety also play a significant role. For diagnosis, a clinical examination is conducted that may include specific tests to help identify the cause, whether organic or psychological.

Treatments vary based on the underlying cause. In cases of psychological origin, psychotherapy can be an effective solution. When dysfunction is related to organic causes, oral medications or injections are commonly used. In situations where these treatments are not effective, the implantation of a penile prosthesis may be considered, a procedure that has shown high satisfaction rates among patients. A remarkable 95% of men undergoing this intervention report being satisfied and would recommend it to others.