Work

Association between Serum Cortisol Level and Erectile Function in Healthy Men from the General Population

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the association between serum levels of cortisol and erectile function in healthy men aged 45-60 years. Material and methods: The serum level of cortisol was measured. The international index of erectile function-5 items (IIEF-5) was used to assess the erectile function. Data were gathered on the age of participants, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, family history of cardiovascular disease, and their habits including alcohol consumption and smoking. Two subgroups were defined, based on the IIEF-5 total score: the normal erectile function group with an IIEF-5 total score ≥ 22 points, and the erectile dysfunction group with an IIEF-5 total score <22 points. Results: A positive significant correlation was found between cortisol levels and IIEF-5 total score (r = 0.299, p = 0.003). Cortisol level and IIEF-5 total score showed negative significant correlations with BMI (r = -0.276, p = 0.004), (r =-0.193, p = 0.041), respectively; and waist circumference (r = -0.319, p = 0.001), (r = -0.283, p = 0.003), respectively. Men with normal erectile function had significantly higher cortisol levels (377 nmol/L vs. 308 nmol/L, p = <0.001); significantly lower BMI (25 kg/m2 vs. 27 kg/m2, p = 0.005), and waist circumference (97 cm vs. 104 cm, p = <0.001) compared to men with erectile dysfunction. In multivariate regression analysis adjusted for the age of participants, alcohol consumption, smoking, and family history of cardiovascular disease, IIEF-5 total score showed a significant negative association only with waist circumference (β = -0.194, p = 0.031, 95% CI = -0.370, -0.018). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a significant positive association between serum levels of cortisol and erectile function in healthy men. This association seems, however, to be affected by variations in body parameters, mainly waist circumference in such men.

Source: Archive of Urological Research

DOI: 10.17352/aur.000053

Authors: Rezanezhad Babak, Borgquist Rasmus, Elzanaty Saad

Institutions: North Denmark Region, Regionshospital Nordjylland, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Sexual function and dysfunction studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4403745249