The likely worldwide increase in erectile dysfunction between 1995 and 2025 and some possible policy consequences

Objectives. To project the likely worldwide increase in the prevalence of e rectile dysfunction (ED) over the next 25 years, and to identify and discus s some possible health-policy consequences using the recent developments in the UK as a case study. Methods. Using the United Nations projected male population distributions b y quinquennial age groups for 2025,the prevalence rates for ED were applied from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) to calculate the likely inc idence of ED. The MMAS has the advantage of being the first study to provid e population-based rates rather than rates based on clinical samples. All t he projections were age-adjusted. Results. It is estimated that in 1995 there were over 152 million men world wide who experienced ED; the projections for 2025 show a prevalence of appr oximate to 322 million with ED, an increase of nearly 170 million men. The largest projected increases were in the developing world, i.e. Africa, Asia and South America. Discussion. The likely worldwide increase in the prevalence of ED (associat ed with rapidly ageing populations) combined with newly available and highl y publicized medical treatments, will raise challenging policy issues in ne arly all countries. Already underfunded national health systems will be con fronted with unanticipated resource requests and challenges to existing gov ernment funding priorities. The projected trends represent a serious challe nge for healthcare policy makers to develop and implement policies to preve nt or alleviate ED.