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Preference for gender of health care provider in management of erectile dysfunction

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 19, pages 474–479 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

We investigated whether a preference by patients regarding the gender of a health care provider to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a factor in the diagnosis and care of this condition, whose broader medical significance is an area of increasing interest. A brief questionnaire was completed by 1087 adult males in a primary care setting. The questionnaire explored provider gender preference and other possible biases. The prevalence of ED in the 40–69 age group in our population was 68.8%. The prevalence was 81% in the age group of 70 and more. Of those who reported having experienced ED, 51.5% had discussed it with a provider, and 28.1% had been treated. Approximately, 57% expressed no provider gender preference, regardless of history of ED. Of those who stated a preference, approximately 75% prefer male providers. However, also among those who state a preference, Hispanics are not as likely as non-Hispanics to prefer a male provider (P=0.03). Most believe that males and females are equally qualified to manage ED, but among those who have a different opinion, the gender perceived more favorably is male. The issue of privacy during the discussion of ED was also very important to the respondents in this study.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by an Educational Research Grant Award from the Consortium for Improvement in Erectile Function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Extended Care Line, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA

    M H Carrejo & R S Tan

  2. Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    R S Tan

  3. Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas-Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    D J Balla & R S Tan

  4. Men's Health and Wellness, OPAL Medical Clinic, Houston, TX, USA

    R S Tan

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  1. M H Carrejo
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  2. D J Balla
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Correspondence to R S Tan.

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Carrejo, M., Balla, D. & Tan, R. Preference for gender of health care provider in management of erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 19, 474–479 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901553

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