Methods: 2476 non-institutionalised Spanish males, age ranging from 25 to 70 years, were interviewed. ED was defined using two instruments: a simple self-assessment question (ED-sq) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured through the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results: The severity of ED (measured both through the ED-sq and with the IIEF) increased as the scores of the scales of the SF-36 decreased (Mantel-Hanszel chi(2)-test statistic range: [26-305]; p < 0.001). The two summary components (physical and mental) showed a downward trend, more for the physical than for the mental component.

Conclusion: We found a clear pattern of negative association between self-perceived erectile dysfunction and HRQoL. This association was clearer when ED-sq (rather than IIEF) was used, and stronger for the physical summary component than for the mental one. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.