The International Index of Erectile Function is a diagnostic tool developed by researchers over 30 years ago. Today, this assessment is still used to diagnose erectile dysfunction symptoms and detect specific treatment options by measuring a man's current sexual function. Also known as the IIEF scale, this exam is something you'll most likely encounter if you're visiting your physician about ED symptoms. We'll break down what you can expect when taking this test.
Even though it sounds like it may be a painful procedure, the IIEF is actually a self-administered questionnaire. Composed of multiple-choice questions, patients are allowed to take the test on their own. It was designed in this manner to allow a patient’s complete honesty without having him feel embarrassed when discussing such a sensitive topic. Although, we've made great bounds as a society in openly discussing ED without any stigmas or shame, it can still be difficult for a man to openly talk about his symptoms.
The abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function is a shortened version of the exam used as a first-step in evaluating erectile dysfunction. This shorter version is named the IEFF-5 and contains the five questions below. Patients are asked to consider their experience with the following over the past four weeks:
This test isn't conclusive and a doctor will often times ask further questions, examine current medication you’re taking, along with your past medical records. The IIEF-5 is meant to establish a baseline, monitor changes and extract sexual function metrics rather than a end-all-be-all diagnosis. If you're concerned about the results from the IIEF-5, we recommend speaking to a doctor to receive a comprehensive overview of ED and solutions tailored to your unique medical history.
1. How do you rate your confidence that you could get and keep an erection?
Very low (1)
Low (2)
Moderate (3)
High (4)
Very high (5)
2. When you had erections with sexual stimulation, how often were your erections hard enough for penetration?
Almost never/never (1)
A few times (much less than half the time) (2)
Sometimes (about half the time) (3)
Most times (much more than half the time) (4)
Almost always/always (5)
3. During sexual intercourse, how often were you able to maintain your erections after you had penetrated (entered) your partner?
Almost never/never (1)
A few times (much less than half the time) (2)
Sometimes (about half the time) (3)
Most times (much more than half the time) (4)
Almost always/always (5)
4. During sexual intercourse, how difficult was it to maintain your erection to the completion of intercourse?
Extremely difficult (1)
Very difficult (2)
Difficult (3)
Slightly difficult (4)
Not difficult (5)
5. When you attempted sexual intercourse, how often was it satisfactory for you?
Almost never/never (1)
A few times (much less than half the time) (2)
Sometimes (about half the time) (3)
Most times (much more than half the time) (4)
Almost always/always (5)
Depending on your answers, you'd tally up the total IIEF score. The score breakdown and results are as follows:
1-7 - Severe ED
8-11 - Moderated ED
12-16 - Mild-moderate ED
17-21 - Mild ED
22-25 - No ED
This test isn't conclusive and a doctor will often times ask further questions, examine current medication you’re taking, along with your past medical records. The IIEF-5 is meant to establish a baseline, monitor changes and extract sexual function metrics rather than a end-all-be-all diagnosis. If you're concerned about the results from the IIEF-5, we recommend speaking to a doctor to receive a comprehensive overview of ED and solutions tailored to your unique medical history.
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