Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men is increasingly becoming a major problem worldwide. The damaging effects on the psyche and the anxiety regarding sexual performance and overall life satisfaction could be irreversible.
Aims: The objective of this study was to compare domains of quality of life (QOL) in men with ED in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in order to determine the contextual social variables.
Method: In a cross-sectional study, 400 male patients attending the general outpatient clinic between January and March 2009 were randomly assessed for ED and QOL, using abridged version of the International Index of Erectile function and the World Health Organization Quality of life instrument.
Results: A total of 166 (41.7%) subjects suffered from ED, 80 (48.2%) from medical illness, 56 (33.7%) from surgical problems and 30 (18.1%) from undiagnosed problems. Social relationships and psychological health indices of QOL were severely impaired in men with ED than the general, overall, physical and environmental health.
Conclusion: An inference from this study suggests that sexual function promotes psychological well-being as well as interpersonal relationships. Therefore, monitoring these indices of QOL in men with ED is important to boost their confidence and self-esteem needed for a better QOL.