Attitude of Korean Males toward Late-Onset Hypogonadism: Survey of Males in Their 40s and Above

Park, Min Gu; Kang, Seung Chul; Lee, Tae Won; Lee, Jong; Kang, Seok Ho; Moon, Du Geon; Kim, Je Jong

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of symptoms of late onset hypogonadism(LOH) and the intention for testosterone replacement therapy in Korean males in their 40s and above.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Korean males over age 40 were given a detailed explanation of LOH and the Korean version of Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male(ADAM) questionnaire(Saint Louis University) by e-mail. Positive for ADAM was defined as answering 'yes' to Q3 or Q7 which estimate the decline of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction or answering 'yes' to more than 3 other questions. The men's intention to take testosterone replacement therapy when recommended for symptoms of LOH was also queried.
RESULTS
Among 38,502 people who opened the e-mail, 15.1%(5,795) of men responded to the survey. The largest fraction of respondents was males in their 40s(60%). The ADAM questionnaire revealed 64.6% of respondents as positive for LOH. More than 50% of respondents complained of decline in erection, endurance, or sexual desire. When asked about their intention to take testosterone replacement therapy, 96% of those positive for LOH answered that they would accept the treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the response ratio was low, 96% of screened LOH men showed high interest in LOH and a positive attitude toward testosterone replacement therapy. Urologists should thoroughly investigate the symptoms of LOH in men in their 40s and above and conduct testosterone replacement therapy as indicated, in order to improve the quality of life for Korean men.