The behavior of Chinese patients seeking help for erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been described in detail. This was an observational
study conducted using an outpatient clinic-based questionnaire survey of ED patients. From 2008 to 2009, physicians in 10 medical
centers in China enrolled 2693 men (aged 25–70 years) diagnosed with ED. The diagnosis was based on the International Index
of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) Questionnaire. The men completed a survey that asked questions about demographics, marital
status, education level and household income as well as help-seeking behavior and awareness of medical therapy. The mean
age of the 2693 men was 43.4 ± 5.3 years; 73% were <50-years-old and 49% had a high household income. The mean time
between noticing ED and taking the fi rst treatment was 4.3 ± 2.1 months. Of the 2577 respondents, physicians (54%) and the
internet (52%) were most frequently consulted sources for information about ED. Young ED patients preferred using the internet
and older patients preferred consulting with physicians. Western medicine (19%) and traditional Chinese medicine (16%) were
most frequently used for treatment. Young ED patients preferred to fi rst search the internet for information, whereas older patients
fi rst asked physicians for help. Side effects of treatment were the greatest concern, especially for older patients. Physicians and the
internet are frequently consulted for ED information and therapy. On the basis of these survey results, we believe that physicians
in China should enhance health education about ED, especially via the internet.

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