Patients’ understanding and perception of erectile dysfunction: Hong Kong versus Europe

TL;DR

This study compares how men in Hong Kong understand and perceive erectile dysfunction (ED) with data from Europe, finding low awareness and highlighting the need for better education.

Contribution

The study provides a comparative analysis of ED understanding in Hong Kong versus Europe using standardized survey templates.

Findings

The prevalence of ED in Hong Kong was 51.8%, with over half of participants misunderstanding what ED is.

Only 26.4% of Hong Kong participants were aware that ED could indicate heart disease, compared to 22% in TRTed-TUF data.

Most participants (73.6%) do not discuss ED with anyone, suggesting a need for improved awareness and education.

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of Erectile dysfunction (ED) in a Hong Kong (HK) population, evaluate the understanding and perception of ED and compare results with the European Association of Urology (EAU) and The Urology Foundation Trust (TRTed-TUF) data.

A survey-based study was conducted between Dec 2023 and Mar 2024. The EAU and TRTed-TUF surveys were used as a template to design the current survey to ensure consistent reporting. Questions on the understanding of ED, healthcare seeking behaviour and awareness of treatment options were included. The survey was distributed via an online link to students and staff from The Hong Kong University (HKU) and to patients attending outpatient clinics at HKU Queen Mary Hospital.

616 responses were received from men aged 18–81 years. The prevalence of ED in our population was 51.8%. 53.2% (EAU 33.6%) were incorrect about what ED is, 54.0% (EAU 56.5%) knew that ED could be treated and 26.4% (TRTed-TUF 22%) were aware that ED could be a sign of heart disease. 73.6% (EAU, 26.3%) do not talk with anyone about ED. 88.3% (TRTed-TUF 77%) would be more likely to seek help if they knew ED was a sign of heart disease. Up to 32.6% (EAU 17.2%) have heard of alternative therapies to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

ED awareness is low, and it is important to raise awareness possibly through charity campaigns, social media and education in primary care in order to detect underlying cardiovascular disease and reduce the impact of ED on psychosocial health.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00345-025-05661-x.

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