Understanding the needs and objectives of erectile dysfunction patients.

Consideration of the needs and objectives of individual patients significantly influences the behavior of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and their partners. Evaluation of an erectile dysfunction (ED) patient requires individualized consideration of the expectations, needs, and objectives of the affected couple. These factors can influence attitudes toward diagnosis, treatment seeking, and ultimately treatment compliance and dropout. Relevant ED market research studies were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Urological Association. The studies explored the prevalence of ED, access to treatment, and ED patient attitudes and preferences. Several barriers continue to influence treatment-seeking behavior in men with ED. These barriers have had a negative impact on the ED patient and marketplace resulting in low rates of utilization and high rates of dropout from therapies for ED.