Chapter 01 · The index
What the IIEF-5 score means
The IIEF-5, also published as the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), is a 5-question short form of the International Index of Erectile Function, validated by Rosen and colleagues in 1999 as a brief diagnostic aid for erectile dysfunction.1 Each item is scored 1 to 5, so the total runs from 5 to 25. A higher score means better erectile function.
*12 month plan, billed once for the term when a physician approves. Renews each term.
| Score | Severity band | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 22 to 25 | No erectile dysfunction | No further action needed unless you have concerns |
| 17 to 21 | Mild | A clinician visit is reasonable |
| 12 to 16 | Mild to moderate | Evaluation often benefits |
| 8 to 11 | Moderate | Clinician evaluation recommended |
| 5 to 7 | Severe | Clinician evaluation strongly suggested |
Severity bands from the validated IIEF-5. The score is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Chapter 02 · The signal
Erectile function is a health signal
Erectile dysfunction is common and very treatable, and it can also be an early warning sign. The penis relies on small blood vessels, so ED can appear before other symptoms of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Major urology guidelines recommend that men presenting with ED be evaluated for these conditions as part of the workup.2 Mood, stress, relationship factors, sleep, alcohol, and several medications also contribute.
Sexual wellness
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Create your account, choose what fits in the Sexual Wellness section, and check out. The health questions come at checkout.
Because the causes range from vascular to hormonal to psychological, a clinician evaluation looks at the whole picture rather than jumping to one explanation. That is also why a single questionnaire cannot tell you the cause; it only quantifies the symptom.
Chapter 03 · The fine print
What this score does not do
The IIEF-5 does not diagnose erectile dysfunction, identify its cause, or determine which treatment is right for you. It is a validated way to describe how bothered you are and to track change over time. A licensed physician interprets it alongside your history, exam, and any tests, and discusses evidence-based options. Individual results vary.
Your score quantifies a symptom; it does not explain it. A clinician evaluates the cause and discusses what, if anything, to treat.
