Factors that influence the number of sexual intercourse attempts among men with erectile dysfunction (ED) before initiation of ED treatment were investigated in a population of 4998 men enrolled in the (Erectile Dysfunctions) Observation Study (EDOS). Our results showed that increasing age, increasing severity and duration of ED, and decreasing satisfaction with one's sex life and partner were all associated with a reduced number of sexual intercourse attempts in the 4 weeks prior to enrollment in EDOS.