The association between erectile dysfunction and depression: a cross-sectional study of 21,139 Brazilian men

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction while controlling for sociodemographic, physical health, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Additionally, it aimed to compare erectile dysfunction with other clinical, laboratory, and behavioral variables among individuals with depression in the same population.

We included 21,139 men (≥40 years) who underwent continuous health screening in a quaternary hospital in São Paulo between January 2008 and December 2018. The analysis included laboratory, clinical, and behavioral profile data.

The multivariate model indicated that alcohol consumption, perceived stress, lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction, body mass index, and triglyceride levels were independent and strong factors associated with depression in men. Additionally, higher levels of physical activity were found to be an independent and strong factor associated with reduced odds of depression in men (all p<0.001). Additionally, depressed men had a higher body mass index (28.50±4.35 versus 27.65±3.93kg/m², p=0.003), and increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus , lower urinary tract symptoms, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver, sedentary physical activity levels, active tobacco use, risk of alcohol consumption, and perceived stress.

Erectile dysfunction was an independent and strong factor associated with depression in Brazilian men, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches addressing both conditions.