A survey of obesity and erectile dysfunction of men conscripted into the military in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is receiving growing research attention. However, investigations concerning the potential impact of obesity and testosterone on erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men have not been completely clarified. AIM: To identify the relationship between ED, serum testosterone level, and obesity in draftees in Taiwan. METHODS: Data were obtained from a baseline survey of 364 young adult military conscripts (19-24 years old). Their demographic data, body mass index (BMI), serum testosterone, and ED status were assessed. Sixty-four subjects had ED, and 300 comprised the normal control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Sexual Desire Inventory, and Sexual Behavior Scale were used to assess ED, sexual desire, and sexual function. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-four men were available for analysis. The mean age of the sample was 21.66 ± 0.92 years (19-24 years). The IIEF total score had a mean of 21.99 ± 2.34 and median of 23; 64 (17.6%) subjects had ED, although mild. The results showed an increased risk of ED among obese men and subjects with lower serum testosterone. Among the predictors of ED, obesity (odds ratio =83.97, 95% CI = 16.17-436.03, degrees of freedom [d.f.] = 1, P < 0.001) and lower serum testosterone (odds ratio = 679.84, 95% CI = 108.48-4,260.58, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001) were significantly independent factors. Testosterone levels were lower in subjects with obesity (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study supports the idea that BMI and serum testosterone may provide warning signs of ED and, at the same time, an opportunity for early intervention in young men.