The successful management of

EMPOWERED TO ASK

ED starts with being empowerED to ask1, 2

Since many men avoid raising sexual concerns, clinicians need to proactively ask direct questions.2

ED: erectile dysfunction

If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions, the patient may be at risk for ED.

0
of 25
  • 22 – 25: No significant erectile dysfunction
  • 17 – 21: Mild erectile dysfunction
  • 12 – 16: Mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction
  • 8 – 11: Moderate erectile dysfunction
  • 5 – 7: Severe erectile dysfunction

The SHIM Questionnaire (IIEF-5)

The SHIM questionnaire (also known as IIEF-5) is intended to complement the physical examination and patient history as a means of detecting erectile dysfunction (ED).4

The score is calculated by adding the numbers of each corresponding question. If the patient’s score is 21 or less, erectile dysfunction (ED) should be addressed. The SHIM score measures the severity of the patient’s ED in the manner above.4

Helping patients with ED be
*Disclaimer: The term “legendary” is used here in a colloquial sense and does not refer to any specific medical claim or guarantee

References:

  1. Al-Shaiji TF. Breaking the Ice of Erectile Dysfunction Taboo: A Focus on Clinician-Patient Communication. J Patient Exp. 2022;9:23743735221077512
  2. Sadovsky R. Asking the questions and offering solutions: the ongoing dialogue between the primary care physician and the patient with erectile dysfunction. Rev Urol. 2003;5 Suppl 7(Suppl 7):S35-S48
  3. Urology Care Foundation. Erectile Dysfunction Patient Guide. 2021. Available from https://www.urologyhealth.org/educational-materials/erectile-dysfunction-brochure [Accessed 7 October 2025]
  4. British Association of Urological Surgeons. Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Available from https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/patients/leaflets/SHIM.pdf [Accessed 6 October 2025]
  5. Tiefer L. The Viagra Phenomenon. Sexualities.2006;9(3):273–294
  6. Elterman DS, Bhattacharyya SK, Mafilios M, Woodward E, Nitschelm K, Burnett AL. The Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Erectile Dysfunction. Res Rep Urol. 2021;13:79-86
  7. Mostafaei H, Mori K, Hajebrahimi S, Abufaraj M, Karakiewicz PI, Shariat SF. Association of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. BJU Int. 2021;128(1):3-11

S4 VIAGRA® 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg film-coated tablets (Reg. nos.: 32/7.1.5/0621, 0622, 0623). Each film-coated tablet contains sildenafil citrate equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg
sildenafil respectively. For full prescribing information, refer to the professional information approved by the Medicines Regulatory Authority. LICENCE HOLDER: Viatris Healthcare (Pty) Ltd. Reg.
No.: 1949/035112/07 4 Brewery Street, Isando, Kempton Park, Gauteng, 1601. Tel.: +27 (11) 451 1300 www.viatris.co.za SA-VIAG-2025-00069 Exp: 12/2027

0
of 25