Effect of lifestyle modification and CV Risk Reduction on Erectile Dysfunction

January 01, 0001

Effect of lifestyle modification and CV Risk Reduction on Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) shares similar modifiable risks factors with coronary artery disease (CAD). These US authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on the severity of ED. They included randomized controlled clinical trials with follow-up of at least 6 weeks of lifestyle modification intervention or pharmacotherapy for CV risk factor reduction. The main outcome measure was the weighted mean differences in the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF-5) score with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model.

They found: "A total of 740 participants from 6 clinical trials in 4 countries were identified. Lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy for CV risk factors were associated with statistically significant improvement in sexual function (IIEF-5 score): weighted mean difference, 2.66. If the trials with statin intervention (n = 143) are excluded, the remaining 4 trials of lifestyle modification interventions (n = 597) demonstrate statistically significant improvement in sexual function: weighted mean difference, 2.40."

The authors concluded: "The results of our study further strengthen the evidence that lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy for CV risk factors are effective in improving sexual function in men with ED."

Knowledge of this benefit may encourage some men to adopt healthy behaviors or to take statins.

For the full abstract, click here.

Arch Intern Med 171(20):1797-1803, 14 November 2011 © 2011 to the American Medical Association
The Effect of Lifestyle Modification and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Reduction on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta- analysis. Bhanu P. Gupta, M. Hassan Murad, Marisa M. Clifton, Larry Prokop, Ajay Nehra, Stephen L. Kopecky. Correspondence to Dr. Gupta: gupta.bhanu@mayo.edu

Category: Y. Male Genital System, Breast, K. Circulatory. Keywords: erectile dysfunction, men, cardiovascular risk, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 29 November 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.