The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a common index used to evaluate the degree of erection. In particular, the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) is used to score and evaluate the hardness of an erection:
Score 1: Penis enlarged but not hardened.
Score 2: Penis hardens but does not fully harden.
Score 3: Penis hardens sufficiently but does not become fully erect.
Score 4: Fully hard and fully erect.
This score helps to quantitatively measure the quality of erection for clinical diagnosis and evaluation of treatment efficacy. Physicians can use this score to monitor improvement in a patient’s erectile function and to select appropriate treatments. When working to treat erectile dysfunction, it is common to use these indicators to set specific goals and track treatment progress. Score 1: Penis enlarged but not hardened.
Score 2: Penis hardens but does not fully harden.
Score 3: Penis hardens sufficiently but does not become fully erect.
Score 4: Fully hard and fully erect.
This score helps to quantitatively measure the quality of erection for clinical diagnosis and evaluation of treatment efficacy. Physicians can use this score to monitor improvement in a patient’s erectile function and to select appropriate treatments. When working to treat erectile dysfunction, it is common to use these indicators to set specific goals and track treatment progress.
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and its simplified version, the Erectile Hardness Score (EHS), have different levels of detail and purposes of use. A comparison of these two indices reveals the following differences
International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)
- Detail sexuality: The IIEF offers a multifaceted approach and assesses not only erectile function, but also a wide range of sexual function, including satisfaction with intercourse, frequency of orgasm, sexual desire, and overall sexual satisfaction.
- Applications: The IIEF is widely used in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, evaluation of treatment efficacy, and clinical research, and provides very comprehensive information. Its ability to capture detailed pre- and post-treatment changes makes it ideal for use in research and clinical trials.
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questions assess erectile quality and sexual function across the following categories
- Erection hardness: whether the erection becomes sufficiently hard during sexual activity.
- Maintenance of erection: the ability to maintain an erection during intercourse.
- Ability to insert into intercourse: whether or not insertion is possible when intercourse is attempted.
- Satisfaction during intercourse: How satisfying the sexual act is.
- Sexual Desire: Degree of desire for sexual activity.
- Achievement of orgasm: whether orgasm is reached through sexual activity or masturbation.
These questions are answered based on the past 4 weeks of experience and each item is rated on a scale of 0 to 5 points. This serves as a standard for diagnosing EDs and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.
Comparison Conclusion
- Balance of detail and simplicity: IIEFs provide more detailed data, but they are more time consuming to fill out and more complex to interpret. EHS, on the other hand, is quick and easy to assess erectile quality, making it suitable for routine monitoring and patient communication.
- Selection Criteria: The indicator to be used should be chosen according to its purpose. The IIEF is suitable for studies requiring detailed data and for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, while the EHS is suitable for routine monitoring of patient conditions and for simple assessment.
Both indicators have their advantages and are useful in assessing sexual health, but it is important to choose the one that best suits your specific use and information needs.
