Erectile dysfunction and lipid disorders

Epidemiological studies have shown that elevated serum cholesterol and redu ced high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are associated with a n increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). This is another example of t he link between ED and atherosclerosis. Whether correcting a dyslipidaemic profile will result in a reduced risk of developing ED has not been established. Similarly, it is Mot known if such an intervention will improve symptoms in patients with established ED. The situation is further complicated by the likelihood that one of the rarer s ide-effects of fibrates and statins is ED. There is a need for appropriately designed trials to establish if interveni ng with statins or fibrates is beneficial opt a short- or long-term basis f or the treatment or prevention of ED.