Risk Factors For Erectile Dysfunction Research Articles

Mendelian Randomization Reveals Serum Copper as a Micronutrient is a Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction.

The cause and effect between serum micronutrients and erectile dysfunction (ED) is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the causal relationship between micronutrients and ED by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We used the published genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for two-sample MR analysis. This study utilized inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode method to assess the causal relationship between serum micronutrients and ED. IVW is considered the standard method for MR analysis. We used Cochran's Q tests to evaluate the heterogeneity. To investigate horizontal pleiotropy, this study employed the MR Egger method. Additionally, leave-one-out analysis was used to evaluate the influence of individual genetic loci on the results. The results showed that there was a causal relationship between serum copper and ED, and it was positively correlated with ED (OR = 1.115, CI = 1.00-1.24, p = 0.014). There was no significant correlation between other micronutrients and ED. Sensitivity analysis results indicated that our findings exhibit no heterogeneity or pleiotropy, thereby strengthening our conclusions. Serum copper is a risk factor for ED, which provides a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of ED in the future. However, further experiments are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Erectile dysfunction among male patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment: focusing on anxiety-related symptoms.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a relatively neglected issue. In this study we sought to determine the actual prevalence of ED and risky sexual behaviors in patients receiving MMT and identify clinically relevant risk factors for ED, particularly mental health conditions, that may contribute to achieving holistic healthcare and improving treatment adherence in this patient population. A cross-sectional study of male Chinese MMT patients was conducted. Comprehensive demographic and clinical data regarding age, obesity, history of major mental and physical illness, HIV infection, other substance use, methadone dose/duration, and associated risky sexual behaviors were all collected. Assessment tools, including the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, the Chinese Health Questionnaire, and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were administered. The relationship between mental health-related factors and ED was fully analyzed and elaborated. The prevalence of ED among male patients in a methadone maintenance therapy outpatient clinic was 55.7%. The prevalence rate of ED among the individuals treated for longer than 6months was 56.8%, whereas that for untreated individuals was 52.0%. Additionally, methadone-treated individuals were older and had a higher proportion of condom use and drug-assisted sexual activity than untreated individuals. Pearson correlation revealed that higher Chinese Health Questionnaire and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire scores were negatively correlated with lower scores on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. In the multivariate regression model, anxiety and other psychosomatic symptoms were associated with more severe ED, whereas individuals who consumed alcohol within the past month had less severe ED after adjustment for other demographic and clinical variables. The findings of the present study revealed no association between ED and methadone treatment duration or dosage. Healthcare professionals should discuss mental health issues in patients on MMT with ED, especially anxiety symptoms and recent alcohol use. This study is one of the few reports within the limited body of research highlighting a significant association of ED with anxiety-related symptoms in patients undergoing MMT. Our study had some limitations. First, the sample size of HIV-infected individuals was insufficient. Second, the cross-sectional study design could not definitively demonstrate a causal mechanism. In patients undergoing MMT, individuals who reported less severe anxiety symptoms and alcohol consumption in the past month tended to have less severe ED, regardless of the MMT duration or dosage.

Characteristics and outcomes of men with erectile dysfunction as the presenting symptom due to a lactotroph adenoma

PurposeErectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently underreported in men suffering from prolactinomas and can be challenging to manage. Both dopamine agonists (DAs) and transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) correct hyperprolactinemia and restore gonadal function. However, there is scarce data regarding their effectiveness in correcting ED over the long term.MethodsThis study is a retrospective single-center comparative cohort study analyzing men diagnosed with prolactinomas, both with and without confirmed erectile dysfunction (ED) at diagnosis. Independent risk factors for persistent ED over the long term were examined using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAmong the 39 men with lactotroph adenomas, ED was one of the presenting symptoms in 22 (56%). The mean age at diagnosis was 45 ± 12 years. Surgery was the primary treatment in 6 (27%) ED patients and 8 (47%) non-ED patients. After a mean follow-up of 74 ± 48 months, remission from hyperprolactinemia was achieved in the majority (76%) of men: 71% in the non-ED cohort and 81% in the ED group (p = 0.70), regardless of the primary treatment strategy (surgical 84% versus medical 72%, p = 0.46). Long-term remission of ED was noted in 16 (73%) patients. Interestingly, high baseline BMI levels emerged as potential risk factors for persistent ED over the long term (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.0–1.9; p = 0.04), while neither the initial adenoma size nor the primary treatment strategy (i.e., TSS vs. DAs) reached statistical significance.ConclusionsCorrecting hyperprolactinemia and its associated hypogonadism significantly improves ED in the majority of men with prolactinomas over the long term, regardless of the primary treatment strategy employed. In addition to addressing endocrine deficiencies, the early initiation of weight control programs may be considered for men with lactotroph adenomas and ED. Although our study suggests an association between BMI and the risk of persistent ED, further research is needed to establish any causal relationships.

Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Among Older Gay Men

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that aging men encounter, but whether internalized gay ageism (i.e., the internalization of ageist messages within the context of aging as a gay man) is related to ED among older gay men is unknown. A cross-sectional web-based survey explored the relationship between internalized gay ageism, health-related and social factors, and ED among older gay men who resided in the Midwest United States (N = 181). Internalized gay ageism was not significantly associated with ED. However, hierarchical regression analysis found that age (β = .224, t = 2.70, p = .008) and overall health (β = −.247, t = −3.05, p = .003) were significantly associated with ED among older gay men, suggesting that older gay men share similar risk factors for ED as the general male population. Future research should continue to explore other factors that are unique to gay men that may be associated with ED.

The association between uric acid and erectile dysfunction in US adults: NHANES 2001–2004

Background—Recent evidence suggests that hyperuricemia may act as independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED), in addition to the already established factors. The current evidence supporting this relationship remains insufficient.Methods and results—A total of 3,810 participants from the NHANES pool between 2001 and 2004 were included in our study, comprising 1,093 individuals with ED and 2,717 individuals without ED. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between uric acid (UA) and the prevalence of ED. In the fully adjusted model, no significant association was observed between UA and ED (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.84–1.24), and no significant differences were noted among the various UA levels (p = 0.5). In our sensitivity analyses, employing a stricter definition for ED, no significant results were found in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.60–1.19). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed among the various UA levels (p = 0.083).Conclusions—Our study did not establish a correlation between UA levels and ED. Nonetheless, further research with larger sample cohorts is required to verify these findings.

Umbrella review protocol: Global burden and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in diabetic population.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer a whisper in the shadows; it's a rising tide threatening the sexual health of millions of men in different regions. This worrying trend shows no signs of slowing down, with projections claiming a staggering 322 million men globally could be affected in the near future. In the cases of diabetes, the condition worsens and has a potent cocktail of physical and psychological distress, chipping away at men's confidence, self-esteem, and mental health. This urgent issue demands immediate attention and action. Thus, this umbrella review intended to estimate the current burden of ED and associated risk factors among diabetic patients in the global context. Following PRISMA guidelines will be searched for relevant Systematic Review and Meta-analysis studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the new regress tool, the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 tool. To estimate the pooled prevalence of ED, we will employ a weighted inverse variance random-effects model. We will further conduct subgroup analyses, assess heterogeneity and publication bias, and perform sensitivity analyses to strengthen the robustness of our findings. Prediction intervals will also calculated to estimate the range within which future observations will likely fall. In all statistical analyses, the statistical significance will be declared at p value < 0.05. This umbrella review of systemic review and meta-analysis will be the first to systematically explore and integrate evidence regarding the burden of ED and associated risk factors in the diabetic population in a global context. By estimating the worldwide burden and identifying risk factors of ED in this population, the study will contribute to uncovering the hidden burden. Thereby, the issue will get international attention to reduce its consequences on the sexual health of the diabetic population. Besides, it will also provide input and direction for future research outlook.

Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and erectile dysfunction among American Adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: a cross-sectional study.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pressing public health concern. NAFLD is recognized as a disease with systemic involvement. Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition among men. The study examined the relationship between NAFLD, assessed via U.S. Fatty Liver Index (USFLI), and erectile dysfunction. The study used cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2001 and 2004 to examine the health of those over 20 years of age, collecting details on their erectile dysfunction, USFLI, and several other essential variables. A USFLI score equal to or exceeding 30 was chosen to diagnose NAFLD, while a USFLI score below 10 was utilized to exclude the presence of fatty liver. There were 3763 participants, with 29.1% (1095/3763) who experienced erectile dysfunction. After accounting for all potential covariates, USFLI was positively associated with erectile dysfunction (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02 ~ 1.03; P < 0.001). Compared with individuals with Q1 (USFLI < 10), the adjusted odds ratio values for USFLI and erectile dysfunction in Q2 (10 ≤ USFLI < 30) and Q3 (USFLI ≥ 30, NAFLD) were 1.84 (95% CI: 1.46 ~ 2.32, p < 0.001) and 2.18 (95% CI: 1.66 ~ 2.87, p < 0.001), respectively. The association USFLI and erectile dysfunction exhibited an L-shaped curve (nonlinear, P = 0.014). The odds ratio value of developing erectile dysfunction was 1.03 (95% CI: 1.021 ~ 1.04, P < 0.001) in participants with USFLI < 50.18. This study identified a positive correlation between USFLI and erectile dysfunction within the adult American population. Our findings imply that NAFLD might constitute an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction.

(192) RISK FACTORS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES MELLITUS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the risk factors associated with ED in diabetic men have yet to be unequivocally determined, owing to incongruent and inconclusive results reported in various studies. Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk factors for ED in men with DM. Methods A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing studies published in the PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases up to August 24th, 2023. All studies examining the risk factors of ED in patients with DM were included in the analysis. To identify significant variations among the risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for longitudinal studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale for cross-sectional studies. Results A total of 58 studies, encompassing a substantial participant pool of 66 925 individuals diagnosed with DM, both with or without ED, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean age (OR: 1.31, 95% CI = 1.24-1.37), smoking status (OR: 1.32, 95% CI = 1.18-1.47), HbA1C (OR: 1.44, 95% CI = 1.28-1.62), Duration of DM (OR: 1.39, 95% CI = 1.29-1.50), diabetic neuropathy (OR: 3.47, 95% CI = 2.16-5.56), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 3.01, 95% CI = 2.02-4.48), diabetic foot (OR: 3.96, 95% CI = 2.87-5.47), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI = 1.71-2.16), hypertension (OR: 1.74, 95% CI = 1.52-2.00), microvascular disease (OR: 2.14, 95% CI = 1.61-2.85), vascular disease (OR: 2.75, 95% CI = 2.35-3.21), nephropathy (OR: 2.67, 95% CI = 2.06-3.46), depression (OR: 1.82, 95% CI = 1.04-3.20), metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.22, 95% CI = 1.98-2.49), and diuretic treatment (OR: 2.42, 95% CI = 1.38-4.22) were associated with an increased risk of ED in men with DM. Conclusions Our study indicates that in men with DM, several risk factors for ED have been identified, including mean age, HbA1C, duration of DM, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, microvascular disease, vascular disease, nephropathy, depression, metabolic syndrome, and diuretic treatment. By clarifying the connection between these risk factors and ED, clinicians and scientific experts can intervene and address these risk factors, ultimately reducing the occurrence of ED and improving patient management. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Erectile Dysfunction, Risk factors, Meta-analysis. Disclosure No.

Increased serum asprosin is correlated with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction

ObjectiveAsprosin, a newly identified adipokine, is pathologically increased in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to see whether serum asprosin concentrations are linked to diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED).Methods90 male patients with type 2 diabetes were included. According to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score, they were classified into two groups: 45 type 2 diabetes patients without erectile dysfunction (DM group) (IIEF-5 > 21),45 patients with diabetes induced erectile dysfunction (DMED group) (IIEF-5 ≤ 21)0.45 healthy male volunteers with normal blood glucose, IIEF-5 score > 21 points, and age matched with the DMED group were included as the control group. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were determined in all participants.ResultsWhen compared to the controls, T2DM ( Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)patients had higher serum asprosin levels. The DMED group had significantly higher serum asprosin than the T2DM groups(p < 0.001). After adjusting for multiple variables considered traditional risk factors for ED(erectile dysfunction), Asprosin can still be used as an independent risk factor for ED; The ROC(Receive Operating Characteristic Curve) indicates that asprosin has good sensitivity (97.8%) and specificity (62.2%) in predicting ED, with an area under the curve of 0.843.Correlation analysis shows that asprosin is negatively correlated with SOD(superoxide dismutase ) and positively correlated with MDA (malondialdehyde).ConclusionSerum asprosin concentrations are increased in patients with DMED. Also, asprosin is correlated with oxidative stress indexes (MDA, SOD).

Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the risk factors associated with ED in diabetic men have yet to be unequivocally determined, owing to incongruent and inconclusive results reported in various studies. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk factors for ED in men with DM. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing studies published in the PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases up to August 24th, 2023. All studies examining the risk factors of ED in patients with DM were included in the analysis. To identify significant variations among the risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) for longitudinal studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale(AHRQ) for cross-sectional studies. A total of 58 studies, including a substantial participant pool of 66,925 individuals diagnosed with DM, both with or without ED, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean age (OR: 1.31, 95% CI=1.24-1.37), smoking status (OR: 1.32, 95% CI=1.18-1.47), HbA1C (OR: 1.44, 95% CI=1.28-1.62), duration of DM (OR: 1.39, 95% CI=1.29-1.50), diabetic neuropathy (OR: 3.47, 95% CI=2.16-5.56), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 3.01, 95% CI=2.02-4.48), diabetic foot (OR: 3.96, 95% CI=2.87-5.47), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI=1.71-2.16), hypertension (OR: 1.74, 95% CI=1.52-2.00), microvascular disease (OR: 2.14, 95% CI=1.61-2.85), vascular disease (OR: 2.75, 95% CI=2.35-3.21), nephropathy (OR: 2.67, 95% CI=2.06-3.46), depression (OR: 1.82, 95% CI=1.04-3.20), metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.22, 95% CI=1.98-2.49), and diuretic treatment (OR: 2.42, 95% CI=1.38-4.22) were associated with increased risk factors of ED in men with DM. Our study indicates that in men with DM, several risk factors for ED have been identified, including mean age, HbA1C, duration of DM, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, microvascular disease, vascular disease, nephropathy, depression, metabolic syndrome, and diuretic treatment. By clarifying the connection between these risk factors and ED, clinicians and scientific experts can intervene and address these risk factors, ultimately reducing the occurrence of ED and improving patient management.

Relationship between vitamin D receptors gene polymorphism and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction.

Over the past few decades, a number of studies have linked vitamin-D deficiency with ED (Erectile dysfunction) risk factors. There is a clear correlation between VD (vitamin-D) levels and ED, according to observational and interventional researches that have been reported in the literature. This crucial information encouraged scientists to investigate the impact of VD on erectile function in greater detail. The fact that vitamin D is a component of a healthy penis that begins in early life has just come to light, however there haven't been many research looking at the connection between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and erectile dysfunction. To evaluate the relationship between arteriogenic erectile dysfunction and the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism. Between October 2022 and October 2023, at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, 40 patients with arteriogenic ED and 40 healthy controls underwent informed consent, a detailed history, a physical examination, a penile duplex ultrasound and the extraction of peripheral blood to determine the type of polymorphism for each of the vitamin D receptors: FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There is no statistically significant association between arteriogenic erectile dysfunction and the vitamin D receptors (VDR) gene polymorphisms FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI. Since there is no statistically significant association between the polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction, it is advised to investigate other VDR gene polymorphisms as well as alternative clinical subtypes of erectile dysfunction.

The neurological decline and psychological factors caused by coronavirus disease 2019 may be predictors of erectile dysfunction.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, it has had a serious impact on people's physical and mental health. However, in our clinical work, we have found that the erectile function of coronavirus disease 2019 patients with neurological decline was often seriously affected. To further explore the relationship between erectile dysfunction and neurological dysfunction caused by coronavirus disease 2019. We conducted a survey from August 2022 to February 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and the Third People's Hospital of Linyi City. A total of 251 subjects with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection were included. Symptoms and changes in erectile function after the coronavirus disease 2019 infection were collected and assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 scale and several targeted questions. In this study, we found that in patients infected with novel coronavirus, the proportion of erectile dysfunction was higher in those with neurological manifestations such as olfactory and taste impairment or psychological symptoms such as anxiety. We found that neurological decline and psychological factors were independent and significant risk factors for erectile dysfunction caused by coronavirus disease 2019. Patients with neurological damage or psychiatric symptoms are more likely to have erectile dysfunction, suggesting that the 2019 novel coronavirus may affect erectile function by damaging nerves. This provides a new insight into the mechanism of erectile dysfunction.

(141) Can a Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity Test Detect Organic Aetiology of Erectile Dysfunction? A Peripheral and Penile Vascular Study

Abstract Introduction In the diagnostic workup of erectile dysfunction (ED) the Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity test (NPTR) is being used less and less because of its inconvenience but also in part because of the intrinsic limits of this test. In particular, the NPTR has been considered very useful to diagnose psychogenic ED when it is positive (normal) but less informative when it is negative (pathological) because of the high incidence of false negatives. Other tests have been suggested to better diagnose an organic ED, especially the dynamic Penile Colour-Doppler Ultrasound (PCDU) to study the penile vascular response and detect a vasculogenic ED. Objective The purpose of the study was to explore the value of a pathological NPTR by investigating relationship between the NPTR result and the peripheral vascular health at the carotid, brachial and cavernous arteries. Methods We conducted an observational study involving patients with ED who had undergone a NPTR as part of their ED diagnostic workup. We assessed their peripheral vascular health through (1) the measurement of the intima-media thickness at the carotid arteries (cIMT), (2) the measurement of the flow-mediated dilation at the brachial artery (FMD), and (3) performing a PCDU. Results Globally, our patients presented with a normal cIMT, FMD and Peak Systolic Value (PSV) in the PCDU. The group with pathological NPTR were significantly older than patients with normal NPTR (55.6 vs 44.1 years, p=0.002), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (50.0 vs 6.8%, p=0.001), longer hypertension duration (8.0 vs 1.3 years, p=0.035), a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (42.9 vs 6.8%, p= 0.004), higher blood glucose (111 vs 92 mg/dl, p=0.004) and higher blood triglycerides levels (188 vs 96 mg/dl, p=0.002). Furthermore, they showed lower PSV (46.2 vs 71.0 cm/s, p=0.002) while we did not find significant differences as regards cIMT and FMD between the two groups. Interestingly, the prevalence of patients with pathological PSV (&amp;lt;35 cm/s) was higher among patients with a pathological NPTR but without reaching the statistical significance. However, when adopted an age-dependant cut-off described in the literature (PSV &amp;lt; age x 0.7 + 6.73) the difference between the two groups became significant (50.0 vs 11.4%, p=0.005). Finally, the correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between PSV and the cIMT (-0.352, ρ=0.009), the maximum number of events in the RPTR record (+0.344, ρ=0.012), and the mean tip tumescence (+0.303, ρ=0.036). When corrected for age, these associations lost their statistical significance. Conclusions This study demonstrates the diagnostic value of a pathological NPTR which suggests an organic aetiology of the ED and associates with pathological findings in the PCDU. Age appears to be one of the most important risk factors for ED, even when other risk factors are present. Finally, when using a PCDU to diagnose vasculogenic ED, a cut-off of 35 cm/s might be less sensitive than an age-dependent cut-off to detect early impairments of penile endothelial function. Disclosure No.

(238) Changing Landscape of Erectile Dysfunction: Shift in Risk Factors and Presentation Patterns

Abstract Introduction Roughly 52% of men over the age of 40 have ED. However, our understanding of ED risk factors is constantly evolving. Objective The aim of this study is to provide a contemporary update of risk factors and characteristics of men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods A retrospective review identified 576 men presenting to our tertiary academic center between 2009 and 2022 with the chief complaint of ED. Their medical charts were reviewed and analyzed for demographic information and treatment outcomes. Results The mean age of the cohort was 64.3 years (S.D. = 15) with initial testosterone levels of 310.5 (IQR = 231.8-437.2). The median symptom duration at presentation was 2 (IQR = 1-5) years, but more than half had already tried PDE5i therapy in the past (260/452, 57.5%, 95% CI (52.8-62.1%)). Men in the cohort had higher than national rates of hypertension (35.6%, 95% CI = 31.3-40.1%) and hyperlipidemia (30.5%, 95% CI = 26.4-34.0%) but the percentage of patients with diabetes was on par with national rates (14.7%, 95% CI = 11.6-18.2%). Men with Peyronie’s disease constituted 14.6% (95% CI = 11.5-18.2%) of the cohort (66/453) and 23 of those men had a radical prostatectomy (4.6%). Over half of the patients (310/576, 53.8%, 95% CI = 42.2-65.2%) were started on PDE5i oral therapy, of whom 61% (189/310) of men were satisfied with the effect. Conclusions Patients with ED are known to be more likely to have comorbid chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Prior studies have demonstrated that in men presenting with ED, 42% had hypertension, 20% had diabetes, and 42% had hyperlipidemia. However, our study reveals a lower rate of these risk factors than previously shown. In our study, men were waiting approximately 2 years before they sought treatment, which is 2 years earlier than prior literature. Finally, over half of the men had previously used a PDE5i upon presentation, which suggests that many men are presenting with more advanced ED. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Consultant for AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast Investor: Sprout.

Association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors in a Nigeria tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction has adverse effects on the marital harmony and self-esteem of affected persons. It is shrouded in shame in our environment, hence affecting self-reporting of the condition. It is linked to CVDs in its etiology. The objective was to determine the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular risk factors to recommend them as indicators for screening for ED in our environment.&#x0D; METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 243 men at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Participants were recruited by systematic random sampling, excluding those on aphrodisiacs. Erectile dysfunction was measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and ED was defined as a score &lt;17. CVD risk factors were obtained from history and examination. Univariate analysis and logistic regressions were used to elicit associations between ED and cardiovascular risk factors.&#x0D; RESULTS: The prevalence of ED was 47.3%. Erectile dysfunction was associated with increasing age (χ2=27, p&lt;0.01), harmful alcohol use (χ2=3.08, p= 0.079), diabetes (χ2=8.29, p=0.04), and hypertension (χ2=12.28, p =0.01) following bivariate analysis. However, only advanced age (aOR=0.04, 95% CI: 0.00-0.54, p = 0.014) and harmful alcohol use (aOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.04-0.97, p=0.043) were independently associated with ED after binary logistic regression.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ED is high high. It is associated with age, harmful alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, hence the need to screen for ED, especially in the presence of these factors.

Causal effects of gut microbiota on the risk of erectile dysfunction: a Mendelian randomization study.

Erectile dysfunction ranks among the prevalent sexual disorders in men. Several studies have indicated a potential link between gut microbiota and erectile dysfunction. To validate this potential association, we were to screen statistical data from genome-wide association studies of gut microbiota and erectile dysfunction. p values of less than 1 × 10-5 were set as the threshold for screening instrumental variables that were strongly associated with gut microbiota. At the same time, in order to obtain more convincing findings, we further excluded instrumental variables with possible chain imbalance, instrumental variables with the presence of palindromes, instrumental variables with F-statistics less than 10, and instrumental variables associated with risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Five methods including inverse-variance weighted method, weighted median method, weighted mode, Mendelian randomization egger method and Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test were then used to analyse the 2591 instrumental variables obtained from the screening. We identified correlations between six gut microbiota and the risk of erectile dysfunction. The genus Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 exhibited an inverse association with the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (0.79 (0.65-0.97), P = 0.0214). Conversely, the genus Tyzzerella3 (1.13 (1.02-1.26), P = 0.0225), genus Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 (1.18 (1.01-1.38), P = 0.0412), genus LachnospiraceaeNC2004group (1.19 (1.03-1.37), P = 0.0191), genus Oscillibacter (1.23 (1.08-1.41), P = 0.0022), and family Lachnospiraceae (1.26 (1.05-1.52), P = 0.0123) demonstrated positive associations with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. These sensitivity analyses of the gut microbiota were consistent. This study demonstrated a possible causal relationship between gut microbiota and erectile dysfunction risk through Mendelian randomization analysis, providing new potential possibilities for the prevention and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Prevalence of new onset erectile dysfunction among Damietta governorate men after contracting COVID-19

BackgroundSeveral reports showed that sexual function was affected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.AimsThe objective of the study was to demonstrate whether a realistic association exists between the COVID-19 pandemic and erectile dysfunction (ED) among a sampled Egyptian population in Damietta governorate.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of 330 adult males diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. They were categorized in three age groups (18–29, 30–39, and 40–50 years, respectively). COVID-19-confirmed cases were assessed by the Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF) scores.ResultsThe prevalence of ED according to the IIEF was 55.1%. The ED was categorized into mild ED which represents 25.8% of the patients, mild to moderate which represents 22.4% of the patients, moderate which represents 7% of the patients, and severe which represents 0% of the patients. We found a significant negative correlation between the age of the patients and the IIEF score. Also, we found an association between the severity of COVID-19 infection and the IIEF score.ConclusionAn association of new-onset ED in men who suffered COVID-19 infection was established. This may be due to virus-induced endothelial cell dysfunction; however, an underlying mechanism and causation have not yet been clearly elucidated. While it appears that COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for ED, additional research is needed to establish causality.

Muscle Strength and Male Sexual Function.

Sexual dysfunction, in particular erectile dysfunction, is a common complaint among aging men. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking are shown to be independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction, while cardiorespiratory fitness is shown to be protective. Less is known about the role of muscle strength in male sexual function. Our objective was to study the association between male sexual function and typical cardiovascular risk factors, together with exercise and muscle strength. We included data from the fourth wave of the RHINE study. Data on anthropometrics, exercise habits, diseases, muscle strength, and sexual function were collected using questionnaires, including the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to measure the association between sexual function and body mass index (BMI), age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, exercise and muscle strength status. We included 2116 men aged 48-75 from four Nordic-Baltic countries. BMI, age, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension were found to be associated with higher odds of reporting decreased sexual function, while reporting intact muscle strength was associated with lower odds. In a large Nordic-Baltic male study population, we show that known cardiovascular risk factors are associated with decreased sexual function, while reporting intact muscle strength is associated with lower odds of reporting decreased sexual function.

Alzheimer's disease increases the risk of erectile dysfunction independent of cardiovascular diseases: A mendelian randomization study.

Previous research has underscored the correlation between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, due to inherent limitations of observational studies, the causative relationship remains inconclusive. Utilizing publicly available data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, this study probed the potential causal association between AD and ED using univariate Mendelian randomization (MR). Further, the multivariable MR assessed the confounding effects of six cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The primary approach employed was inverse variance weighted (IVW), supplemented by three additional methods. A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results. In the forward MR analysis, the IVW method revealed causal evidence of genetically predicted AD being a risk factor for ED (OR = 1.077, 95% CI 1.007∼1.152, P = 0.031). Reverse analysis did not demonstrate any causal evidence linking ED to AD (OR = 1.018, 95% CI 0.974∼1.063, P = 0.430). Multivariable MR analysis showed that after adjusting for coronary heart disease (OR = 1.082, 95% CI 0.009∼1.160, P = 0.027), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.085, 95% CI 1.012∼1.163, P = 0.022), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.076, 95% CI 1.002∼1.154, P = 0.043), heart failure (OR = 1.103, 95% CI 1.024∼1.188, P = 0.010), ischemic stroke (OR = 1.079, 95% CI 1.009∼1.154, P = 0.027), hypertension (OR = 1.092, 95% CI 1.011∼1.180, P = 0.025), and all models (OR = 1.115, 95% CI 1.024∼1.214, P = 0.012), the causal association between AD and ED persisted. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the absence of pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and outliers, validating the robustness of our results (P > 0.05). This MR study consistently evidences a causal effect of genetically predicted AD on the risk of ED, independent of certain CVDs, yet offers no evidence for a reverse effect from ED.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in taxi drivers: a cross-sectional web-based survey.

Aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of LUTS in taxi drivers. Between February 24th 2021 and March 26th 2021 a web based survey was administered to Taxi drivers in the city of Florence. Taxi drivers were evaluated with baseline characteristics such as: age, BMI, smoking, career length, comorbidities, and treatment. LUTS were evaluated using the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the overactive bladder (OAB) score. As well sexual function was evaluated using the international index erectile function (IIEF) and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Risk factors for LUTS were evaluated using regression analysis. The overall response rate was 64.6% (537/830 taxi drivers filled the questionnaires). Among them, 449 (83.6%) were men and 88 (16.4%) females. Overall, median IPSS was 5 (2/9) and median OAB score was 10 (7/14). On multivariate binary regression analysis age > 50 (OR:1.60; p < 0,05), Smoking (OR:1.57; p < 0,05), chronic treatment (OR:1.57; p < 0,05), recurrent cystitis (OR: 2.66; p < 0,05) and chronic pelvic pain (OR:4.94; p < 0,05) were independent risk factors for moderate/severe LUTS. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, risk factors for erectile dysfunction were age older than 50 years (OR = 3.64; p < 0.05) and urinary incontinence (OR = 5.53; p = 0.005). According to our web-based survey, Taxi drivers in the metropolitan city of Florence had non-negligible symptomatic LUTS and even sexual dysfunction. Our data suggest as LUTS are particular influenced by several life-style and behavioural factors as type and duration of work.