(PNM-50) Impulsivity level in men with erectile dysfunction at a public healthcare service

Abstract Introduction/Objective Erectile dysfunction (ED) significantly impacts mental health and may have organic, psychogenic or mixed causes. Impulsivity is defined as the tendency to act hastily, without adequate planning and without considering potential negative consequences for oneself or others. The objective of this study was to assess the level of impulsivity and correlate it with the severity of ED. Methods This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted at a public urology service between 2022 and 2025. Male patients aged between 36 and 76 years with a diagnosis of ED were included. Patients using psychotropic medications or psychoactive substances were excluded. Participants completed the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function – 15 (IIEF-15) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Data were analyzed quantitatively using Pearson’s correlation to assess the relationship between total and domain-specific BIS-11 scores (inattention, motor and non-planning) and ED severity. Results The mean IIEF-15 score was 8.58 (SD = 7.29). The mean BIS-11 total score was 63.76 (SD = 8.04). A negative correlation was observed between the total BIS-11 score and the severity of erectile dysfunction (r = −0.15). Analyzing BIS-11 domains, the correlation between ED severity and the attention domain was −0.06; motor domain, −0.02; and non-planning domain, −0.20. Conclusion Impulsivity, particularly non-planning impulsivity, may be a relevant psychobehavioral risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Graphic 1 - Correlation between values of the erectile domain of the IIEF - 15 and the BIS - 11 Score. Financing No conflict.