Although numerous successful therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) exist, picking 1 over another relies on various factors. It is debatable whether or not racial factors influence medical judgment. This research aims to learn if and how racial differences manifest themselves among American males who seek help for erectile dysfunction. With the help of the Optum® De-identified ClinFormatics® Data Mart, researchers analyzed past data to conclude. Men over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of ED from 2003 to 2018 were identified using administrative diagnosis, procedural, and pharmacy codes. Both sociological and medical factors were recognized. Men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the past were not eligible. After controlling for factors such as age, income, education, the number of visits to a urologist, smoking history, and the presence of metabolic syndrome co-morbidities, the patterns and types of ED treatment was evaluated. Men aged 18-49 who matched the study’s inclusion criteria were counted at 810,916 during the observation period. Even when considering similar levels of demographic, clinical, and health care utilization data, racial disparities in ED care remained. A much lower percentage of Asian and Hispanic men sought treatment for erectile dysfunction than Caucasian men, whereas a greater percentage of African Americans sought treatment for erectile dysfunction. When compared to Caucasian males, African American and Hispanic men were more likely to seek surgical treatment for ED. Even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, there are still racial disparities in how ED is treated. There is room for additional research into the factors that prevent men from seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction.
Source: auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000329
