Objectives. To determine the prevalence rates of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction, associated bother, and their relation to sexual activity in a population-based sample of elderly men.

Methods. Data were collected from 1688 men by way of self-administered questionnaires (including the International Continence Society male sex questionnaire) and measurements at a health center and urology outpatient department.

Results. The prevalence of significant erectile dysfunction (ie, erections of severely reduced rigidity or no erections) increased from 3% in men 50 to 54 years old to 26% in men 70 to 78 years old. In the same age strata, the prevalence of significant ejaculatory dysfunction (ie, ejaculations with significantly reduced volume or no ejaculations) increased from 3% to 35%. Pain or discomfort during ejaculation was rare (1%) and independent of age. In general, men were more concerned about erectile dysfunction than about ejaculatory dysfunction. However, most men had no or only little concern about their dysfunction. The percentage of men who reported being sexually active declined with increasing age and was lower in men with erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction and in men without a partner. In sexually active men, 17% to 28% had no normal erections, indicating that with advancing age normal erections are not an absolute prerequisite for a sexually active life.

Conclusions. Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction are common in elderly men. The results of this study indicate that these conditions are much less of a problem for older men than previously suggested.