Relationships Between Erectile Dysfunction, Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Young Japanese Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: It is generally assumed that erectile dysfunction (ED) under the age of 40 is primarily driven by psychosocial factors. Aims This cross-sectional study evaluated ED, depression, anxiety, and quality of life among young Japanese men. Materials and Methods: We used an online survey to gather data from a wide range of community samples. ED was assessed by the IIEF-5 questionnaire, while depression, anxiety, and quality of life were assessed by the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and LISAT-8 questionnaires, respectively. Categorical data were evaluated by chi-square test and numerical data were estimated by one-way ANOVA. Post-hoc tests were conducted using the Holm method, which was used to control for type I errors. Cohen’s d index was calculated as effect sizes. Results: Valid responses from 329 individuals (age 33.93 ± 6.41 years) were obtained. According to IIEF-5 scores, the distribution of various severities of ED was as follows: non-ED, 37.39%; mild ED, 18.24%; mild to moderate ED, 27.36%; and moderate and severe ED, 17.02%. There were no significant differences in depression and anxiety between non-ED and ED men. In contrast, there were significant differences in quality of life between non-ED and ED men ( P < .01). Conclusions: We conclude that psychosocial factors may also be the cause of ED in young Japanese men besides depression and anxiety, and ED may reduce quality of life in various aspects. It is necessary to develop a Japanese version scale to measure ED-related psychosocial factors.