The association between erectile dysfunction, depressive symptoms and testosterone levels among middle-aged men

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between erectile dysfunction and depressive symptoms and testosterone levels among middle-aged men at the community level. Methods: The study population consisted of 614 men born in 1945 and living in the city of Oulu, Finland. Erectile dysfunction was assessed by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and depressive symptoms by the Beck Depression Inventory. Blood samples were collected to measure testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin level. Results: After adjusting for confounders, erectile dysfunction was statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms (risk ratio (RR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.29–2.15), as well as with obesity (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.12–2.62). Neither total nor free testosterone level was associated with erectile dysfunction among our study group. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms rather than testosterone levels should be taken into consideration while treating middle-aged men with erectile problems at the community level.