The 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire is a validated, multi-dimensional, self-administered investigation that has been found useful in the clinical assessment of erectile dysfunction and treatment outcomes in clinical trials. A score of 0-5 is awarded to each of the 15 questions that examine the 4 main domains of male sexual function: erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction.
Clinical Application
IIEF assessment is limited by the superficial assessment of psychosexual background and the very limited assessment of partner relationship, both important factors in the presentation of male sexual dysfunction. Analysis of the questionnaire should, therefore, be viewed as an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for, a detailed sexual history and examination. The following guide-lines may be applied:
- Patients with low IIEF scores (<14 out of 30) in Domain A (Erectile Function) may be considered for a trial course of therapy with erectile function improvement drugs (PED5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) and a testosterone blood test.
- Patients demonstrating primary orgasmic or ejaculatory dysfunction (Domain B) should be referred for specialist investigation (urologist).
- Patients with reduced sexual desire (Domain C) require testing of blood levels of testosterone and prolactin.
- Psychosexual counselling should be considered if low scores are recorded in Domains D and E but there is only a moderately lowered score (14 to 25) in Domain A.
Reference
Rosen R, Riley A, Wagner G, et al. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF): A multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. Urology, 1997, 49: 822-830.Questionnaire:
Results