Decreased forced expiratory volume in first second is associated with erectile dysfunction in apparently healthy men. A preliminary study.

Although it has been evaluated that even 76% of men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suffer from erectile dysfunction, the association has been poorly characterised. The aim of the study was to describe the association between forced expiratory volume in first second and erectile dysfunction in apparently healthy men. All together 331 men aged 45-70 years old were randomly drawn from a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in 2005 in Finland. Decreased forced expiratory volume was defined by performing mini-spirometry and erectile dysfunction by International Index of Erectile Function short form questionnaire. After adjustment for age and depressive symptoms predicted forced expiratory volume (FEV < 65%) was associated with 2.66 (95% CI, 1.18-5.99) increased risk of moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function short form score < 17). Therefore, the authors highlight the importance of erectile and sexual health evaluation and treatment, if necessary, in men with decreased lung function.