Researchers studied 139 men with erectile dysfunction to see if a simple questionnaire could work as well as an expensive, complicated test. They compared answers from a 5-question survey (called IIEF-5) with measurements from a special device that tracks nighttime erections. The study found that the simple questionnaire gave similar results to the expensive test, suggesting doctors could use the cheaper method to diagnose erectile dysfunction. The research also discovered that men with higher blood sugar levels had fewer and weaker nighttime erections, showing how overall health affects sexual function.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can a simple 5-question survey about erectile dysfunction give the same results as an expensive medical device that measures nighttime erections?
  • Who participated: 139 men with erectile dysfunction in Jakarta, Indonesia, with an average age of 42 years. About 20% had high cholesterol and 12% had diabetes.
  • Key finding: The simple questionnaire results matched up well with the expensive device measurements, suggesting the questionnaire is a reliable way to assess erectile dysfunction without needing expensive equipment.
  • What it means for you: If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, a simple questionnaire from your doctor may be just as helpful as expensive tests. However, this doesn’t mean you should skip seeing a doctor—professional evaluation is still important. The study also shows that managing blood sugar levels may help improve erectile function.

The Research Details

Researchers collected information from 139 men with erectile dysfunction over a 6-year period (August 2017 to March 2023). Each man completed a simple 5-question survey about his erectile function and also underwent a special test using a device called Rigiscan that measures nighttime erections while men sleep. The researchers also took blood samples to check testosterone levels, cholesterol, blood sugar control (HbA1c), and vitamin D. They then compared the questionnaire answers with the device measurements to see if they matched up.

This type of study is called a correlation analysis, which means researchers looked for connections between different measurements. They used statistical methods to determine how strongly the questionnaire results matched the device measurements.

Understanding whether simple questionnaires work as well as expensive tests is important because it could make erectile dysfunction diagnosis more accessible and affordable for more men. Expensive tests require special equipment and trained technicians, which limits who can get tested. If a simple questionnaire works just as well, more doctors’ offices could diagnose the problem, and more men might seek help.

This study has several strengths: it included a reasonable number of participants (139 men), used a standardized questionnaire that’s widely recognized by doctors, and measured actual physical responses with a validated device. However, the study only included men in one city in Indonesia, so results might not apply equally to all populations. The study is observational, meaning researchers watched what happened rather than randomly assigning men to different treatments, which is a limitation.

What the Results Show

The researchers found clear connections between the questionnaire scores and the device measurements. Men who reported worse erectile function on the questionnaire also had fewer nighttime erections and weaker erections on the device measurements. Specifically, the questionnaire scores matched up with the number of erections recorded, how much the penis enlarged, and how long erections lasted with strong rigidity (hardness).

The study also revealed important information about blood sugar control. Men with higher blood sugar levels (measured by HbA1c, a test that shows average blood sugar over time) had fewer nighttime erections and lower quality erections. This suggests that diabetes and blood sugar problems directly affect erectile function.

The researchers found that other blood measurements like testosterone, cholesterol, and vitamin D also showed some connections to erectile function, though these were less consistent than the blood sugar findings.

The study confirmed that erectile dysfunction is common in the study population, with a median age of 42 years. Many men had other health conditions like high cholesterol (20%) and diabetes (12%), which are known to affect erectile function. The research supports the idea that erectile dysfunction is often connected to overall metabolic health—meaning how well your body processes energy and maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

This research supports what doctors already know: the IIEF-5 questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing erectile dysfunction. Previous studies have shown this questionnaire works well, and this new research confirms it matches up with objective measurements from expensive devices. The finding about blood sugar and erectile function also aligns with existing research showing that diabetes and poor blood sugar control harm sexual function in men.

The study only included men from one city in Indonesia, so results might not apply equally to men from other countries or ethnic backgrounds. The study looked at men who already had erectile dysfunction, so we don’t know if the questionnaire works as well for men without the condition. Additionally, the study didn’t randomly assign men to different groups—it simply observed and measured existing conditions, which is a weaker study design than a randomized controlled trial. The researchers also didn’t explore why the questionnaire and device measurements matched up, just that they did.

The Bottom Line

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, a simple questionnaire from your doctor is a reasonable first step for assessment (moderate confidence). Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medical treatment if needed may help improve erectile function (moderate confidence). However, the questionnaire should not completely replace professional medical evaluation, as doctors may need additional tests to identify underlying causes (high confidence).

Men experiencing erectile dysfunction should care about these findings, as they suggest a simple, affordable assessment method is available. Men with diabetes or prediabetes should especially pay attention to the blood sugar findings, as controlling blood sugar may improve sexual function. Healthcare providers in resource-limited settings may find this research particularly valuable, as it suggests effective diagnosis without expensive equipment. Men should NOT use this research to self-diagnose or avoid seeing a doctor.

If you improve your blood sugar control through lifestyle changes or medication, you might notice improvements in erectile function within weeks to months, though individual results vary. The questionnaire provides immediate assessment results, but addressing underlying causes takes longer.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your blood sugar levels (if diabetic) and erectile function symptoms weekly using a simple 1-10 scale. Note any patterns between blood sugar control and sexual function to share with your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes or prediabetes, use the app to set reminders for blood sugar monitoring and medication adherence. Create a goal to improve blood sugar control, as this may help erectile function. Also track lifestyle factors like exercise and diet that affect blood sugar.
  • Monthly, review your blood sugar trends alongside your erectile function ratings. Share this data with your healthcare provider to assess whether improvements in blood sugar control correlate with improvements in sexual function. This personalized tracking helps identify what works for your specific situation.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Erectile dysfunction can indicate underlying health conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. If you experience erectile dysfunction, consult with a doctor before making any changes to your health routine. The findings in this study apply specifically to the population studied and may not apply equally to all men. This research does not recommend using questionnaires alone to diagnose erectile dysfunction—professional medical evaluation is essential.