Erectile dysfunction, testosterone deficiency, metabolic syndrome and prostatic disease in Taiwan

The purpose of this article is to review the current status and associations between erectile dysfunction (ED), testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism), the metabolic syndrome (MS) and prostatic disease in Taiwan. The prevalence of ED among Taiwanese men older than 40 years was 17.7%, and self-reported ED was lower than International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 defined ED. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are the first line treatment, but intracavernosal injection and penile prosthesis still have their place. The serum total testosterone (TT) level showed a decline with age, and is one of the major factors that reduces quality of life (QoL). Testosterone deficiency and hypogonadism are associated with ED, which can be improved by testosterone replacement. The MS was reported to have a prevalence of 14-16% in Taiwanese men, and was associated with an increase in all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. It was also reported to be associated with hypogonadism and ED. The incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) has been rapidly increasing, and its management has also been changing in Taiwan. In conclusion, we need to pay more attention to men's health in Taiwan. (C) 2008 WPMH GmbH. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.