Lipid-Lowering Therapy Associated Erectile Dysfunction and Testicular Pain: A Rare Case Report

Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) includes a diverse group of pharmaceuticals designed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride (TG), helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke. LLT includes treatment with several lipid-lowering drugs (LLD), including hydroxymethylglutaryl (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statin), PCSK9 Inhibitors, cholesterol-absorbing inhibitors (Ezetimibe), Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Bempedoic Acid, and combination therapy. The efficacy and safety of these molecules vary widely. Statins are the first-line LLD for treating hypercholesterolemia and are widely used for cardiovascular disease prevention. Common side effects include muscle-related issues such as myalgia, muscle atrophy, and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis. However, adverse effects on male reproductive health are infrequent and often underreported. Other medication classes employed in LLT mostly share many of the ADRs seen with statins, although individual classes may have unique ADRs depending on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Here, we are reporting a unique case of a 50-year-old male patient with no prior history of sexual dysfunction or testicular issues and other comorbidities or habits, who developed loss of libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) and testicular pain with most of the LLD, which promptly resolved on discontinuation of the LLT. This case highlights the importance of considering potential reproductive side effects when prescribing LLT and monitoring male patients for symptoms of sexual dysfunction.