Possible association between erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis in men

Sexual dysfunction in general and erectile dysfunction (ED) in particular significantly affect men's quality of life. Some patients who have ED, also develop osteoporosis. So, in this study we investigated the relationship between erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis in men. 95 men with erectile dysfunction and 82 men with normal sexual function were included in the study. The men's sexual functions were evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function-5 items (IIEF-5). All men received a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA; Hologic) scan to measure bone mineral density (BMD) for osteoporosis. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Mean age was 53.5 (38-69) in ED group and 50.1 (31-69) in control group. In ED group the men have lower T score levels than those of the control group. In conclusion, the men who have erectile dysfunction were at more risk for osteoporosis. The results of the present study demonstrate that the men with erectile dysfunction have low bone mineral density and they are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Because of easy and noninvasive evaluation of osteoporosis, patients with ED should be checked for bone mineral density and osteoporotic male subjects should be evaluated for ED.