Comorbidities, modifiable risk factors, and erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common urologic condition significantly affecting men’s self-esteem, quality of life, interpersonal relationships and wellbeing. Vast epidemiologic and animal model studies point out a complex interplay of aging, cardiovascular risk factors, low hormonal levels, urinary symptoms, and mood disorders in the development and progression of ED. Although the precise physiologic and biochemical mechanisms have not been elucidated at present, the majority of the comorbidities result in increased inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction. Modification of risk factors, to include diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia control, weight loss and smoking cessation, result in reduction of inflammatory markers further improving endothelial function, overall health and ED.