Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents a shared sexual concern for couples. Despite the availability of highly effective therapies for ED, many men do not seek or utilize treatment. The Female Experience of Menʼs Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (FEMALES) study explored womenʼs perceptions, beliefs and attitudes regarding their partnerʼs ED, and investigated whether these factors are associated with the likelihood of men seeking medical advice and using phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor treatment.

Questionnaires were sent to partners of men with ED who participated in the Menʼs Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) 2004 study, and who consented to their partnerʼs involvement. FEMALES questionnaire responses were analysed in relation to responses to equivalent questions provided by male study participants.

There were significant associations between the womanʼs belief that her partnerʼs ED was permanent and menʼs treatment-seeking behaviour (Chi-square=86.43; p<0.0001) and PDE-5 inhibitor use (Chi-square=18.79; p=0.001); and the womanʼs perception that her partnerʼs ED was more severe and menʼs treatment seeking (Chi-square=92.84, p<0.0001) and PDE-5 inhibitor use (Chi-square=23.80, p=0.001). Significant associations were also observed between menʼs treatment-seeking and PDE-5 inhibitor utilisation and womenʼs perceptions, beliefs and attitudes relating to various other aspects of ED.

This study highlights the importance of the female partnerʼs attitudes to ED in the treatment-seeking behaviour and PDE-5 inhibitor utilisation of the male partner.