The relationship between lipid profile and erectile dysfunction

To evaluate the relationship between serum lipids including cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride and erectile dysfunction (ED).

From January 2000 to June 2003, 100 patients with organic ED, who were referred to our center, were selected and their lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, LDL) were assessed. The results were compared with those in 100 healthy individuals.

Mean age of men in the study and control groups were 43.72 +/- 9.76 and 43.59 +/- 10.51 years, respectively. Mean plasma cholesterol and LDL levels in individuals suffering from erectile dysfunction were significantly higher than controls (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). However, no difference in the mean plasma triglyceride and HDL levels was seen. Odds Ratios for high plasma cholesterol level (>240 mg/dl) and high plasma LDL level (>160 mg/dl) were 1.74 and 1.97, respectively (r2 = 0.04 and r2 = 0.04). Using linear regression analysis, the regression coefficient for cholesterol and LDL versus the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire (IIEF) score were -0.036 and -0.035, respectively (95% confidence interval: 0.98 - 2.5 for cholesterol and 1.13 - 2.81 for LDL).

The impact of total cholesterol and particularly LDL on men's erectile function underlines the role of hyperlipidemia treatment in prevention of ED and emerges a holistic management in ED patients.