Impact of nonorganic erectile dysfunction on spouses: a study from India.

INTRODUCTION: The overall outcome of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) depends a lot on participation in treatment of their partners/spouses. However, psychosexual functioning of partners/spouses has received scant attention.

AIM: To study the psychosexual functioning of spouses of men with nonorganic ED in terms of their sexual satisfaction, psychological problems, marital adjustment, quality of life, and level of dysfunction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures for the partners of men with ED were symptom questionnaire, marital questionnaire (KDS-15 marital questionnaire), sexuality scale, quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire, dyadic adjustment scale, and dysfunction analysis questionnaire.

METHOD: Spouses of men with ED (n=50) and spouses of men without any psychosexual dysfunction (n=50) were compared for sexual and marital function, quality of life, and dyadic adjustment. The psychological impact was assessed by symptom questionnaire.

RESULTS: Spouses of men with ED have significantly lower levels of marital and sexual satisfaction and higher levels of psychiatric symptoms than controls. Furthermore, the spouses of men with nonorganic ED also report poor quality of life in most domains of life and had higher level of dysfunction.

CONCLUSION: Our findings support the Western data with regard to the psychosexual functioning of spouses/partners of men with ED and suggest that spouses/partners of men with ED should also be assessed thoroughly.