Metabolic syndrome: a potential and independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction in the Chinese male population

To determine the potential effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on erectile dysfunction (ED) in Chinese men.

Data were collected from the Fangchenggang Area Male Healthy and Examination Survey from September 2009 to December 2009, and 3197 men were finally included. The MetS was defined using the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III for Asian Americans. ED was assessed using the 5-item International Index Erectile Function. The association between MetS and ED is presented as the odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using a logistic regression model.

After adjustments for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, education, and body mass index, our results showed that subjects with MetS had a significantly greater risk of ED (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.72; P = .02), especially in middle-age (40-59 years) men (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.71-3.47; P <.001). Of the MetS components, abnormal fasting blood glucose was the most significantly independent factor of MetS for ED (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.55; P = .002).

Our data have shown that MetS is a potential and independent risk factor for ED in Chinese men, especially in middle-age men, MetS can be recognized as a warning signal for ED. Abnormal fasting blood glucose was the most significantly independent factor of MetS for ED in Chinese men.