Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results

Abstract

IntroductionMost of conclusions on the relationship between age and reproductive health in aging men relied on cross-sectional data. AimTo better characterize the natural degradation trajectory of reproductive health of aging men based on longitudinal data. MethodsA community cohort study was performed in randomly selected men 40 to 80 years old, initiated in 2012 and followed up in 2014 and 2016. Participants were investigated by face-to-face structured interview, including demographic information and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scales. Main Outcome MeasuresThe differences among the 3 assessments of IIEF-5 and AMS were analyzed, and progression trajectories were traced. ResultsThe high degree of variability on AMS and IIEF-5 was evident across individual subjects, as was the variability within individuals. The average IIEF-5 score of 248 subjects decreased from 16.9 to 14.1 during the 4 years, and the total AMS score increased from 22.6–27.0 (P < .001). Longitudinal data, both of individuals and of groups, showed the more rapid increase or decrease on AMS or IIEF-5 scores over 4 years in the 61–70 age group than in other age groups. Clinical ImplicationThe evidence of the greatest changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61–70 age group prompts the importance of early intervention to postpone the degradation of reproductive health. Strength & LimitationsCompared with cross-sectional data, longitudinal data can provide a more natural progression trajectory of reproductive health of aging male individuals. The low follow-up rate might affect the parameter estimation to some extent. ConclusionCohort data over 4 years’ follow-up showed more abrupt changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61–70 age group than in other age groups.Zheng J-B, Liang Q-F, Li J-H, et al. Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results. J Sex Med 2019;16:1567–1573.