The patient with erection problems and his general practitioner.

Ninety general practitioners (GPs) interviewed about 136 of their latest patients and 38 of these patients participated in a study on the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). On average one GP saw 4 patients with ED in one year. About half of these patients were 60 years or over, nearly all had steady relationships, and their level of education seemed to be above average. There was a median patient delay of about one year between the onset and presentation of the complaint. Doctors and patients differed markedly in their reports on the diagnosis and the treatment outcome. Doctors favoured a psychosocial cause, patients a somatic cause. In general, doctors had a more positive view on the results of treatment, while patients were often disappointed. Nevertheless, a much higher proportion of the patients than was expected by the doctors wished to renew contact with their doctor.