Over Weighting May Affect Male Sexual Health

A new study shows that obesity has a significant impact on male sexual health.

A new study suggests that obesity may have a significant impact on male sexual health. The study was conducted on 2,435 Italian male patients who were seeking outpatient treatment for sexual dysfunction between the years 2001 and 2007. The average age of the patients was 52. Among them, 4% were severely obese, 12.1% were obese, 42.4% were overweight, and 41.5% were normal weight.

Lab blood tests and penile Doppler ultrasounds (to measure penile blood flow) were performed on the patients. They were also interviewed about their erectile dysfunction and completed a mental health questionnaire.Results showed that testosterone level was inversely correlated with the degree of obesity. That is, the more severe the obesity, the lower the level of testosterone. Also, obesity-related conditions, especially hypertension, were the most significant causes of obesity-related erectile dysfunction. Hypertension was linked to abnormal penile blood flow as well.It appears that sexual dysfunction from obesity is a physical issue, not a self-esteem or emotional problem.