Validated Questionnaires for Erectile Dysfunction
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Validated questionnaires quantify erectile dysfunction (ED) severity and its effect on bother, sexual satisfaction, and relationships. Used alone or as part of the history, they help measure treatment response and adjust plans. They also give a structured way to raise ED when it is not the presenting complaint. Scores are often not valid for men who are not sexually active.
Why questionnaires are used
These instruments distinguish unaided erectile function from treatment-supported function, and can compare function across treatments (for example, different medication doses). The AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline treats validated questionnaires as part of evaluation (Statement 2, Expert Opinion). For the broader workup, see causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Short forms: EHS and SHIM
In many clinical settings a short questionnaire is enough.
- Erection Hardness Score (EHS) — men rate erection hardness from 0 (no enlargement) to 4 (fully hard and rigid).
- Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) — five questions scored 1–5; the total indicates ED severity.
SHIM is sometimes called IIEF-5 because it resembles the erectile-function subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function. Score interpretation for SHIM and the full IIEF still differs, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
Detailed instruments: IIEF and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire
Specialty practices that focus on ED often use the full International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), which covers several domains of male sexual function.
The Male Sexual Health Questionnaire has 25 items across domains such as erection, ejaculation, and satisfaction. A shorter version focuses on ejaculatory dysfunction.
Choosing a short or detailed instrument depends on the setting. Baseline severity from a validated score helps match treatment intensity and track change over time.
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This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual situation.
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