(304) Relevance of Self-masturbation-related vs. Coital Erectile Function in the Real-life Management of Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The Masturbation Erection Index (MEI) has been recently validated in the setting of the investigation of men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED). Objective We sought to analyze the correlation between MEI and the findings of the widely used International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) in a cross-sectional study in men seeking medical help for ED. Methods Data from the last 87 consecutive men presenting for ED at a tertiary referral centre were analyzed. All patients were asked to complete both IIEF and MEI at the same time. Complete sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. ED severity was defined according to Cappelleri’s criteria. Linear regression model tested the association between MEI, IIEF total and IIEF domains scores. Violin plot was used to display distribution of MEI scores into IIEF-EF categories. Loess curve was applied to investigate the probability of MEI to predict ED as a function of age. Results Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at presentation was 44 (3.5-53.5) years. According to IIEF-EF scores, ED severity was: no ED in 9 (10%), mild ED in 14 (16%), mild-to-moderate ED in 19 (22%), moderate ED 12 (14%) and severe ED in 33 (38%) patients, respectively. The more severe the ED, the higher the MEI scores (Figure 1); indeed, median MEI scored 7 (3-8) in men with no ED and 19 (10-26) in men with severe ED (p<0.05). Of note, 16 patients (18%) depicted low MEI scores (i.e., under the median), but moderate or severe ED as for their IIEF scores. Finally, a univariable negative association between MEI scores and IIEF-overall satisfaction and IIEF-intercourse satisfaction scores was found [i.e. the higher the MEI scores, the lower the intercourse and overall sexual satisfaction (p<0.001)]. Although MEI decreased throughout aging, it was not significantly different in younger vs. older men with ED. Conclusions As expected, there is a strong association between IIEF and MEI scores, which does not lower with aging. Of all, one out of 5 patients presented with lower overall and intercourse satisfaction notwithstanding high MEI scores, thus outlining the clinical relevance of both investigations in the real-life setting. Disclosure No