Factors modifying the effect of blood pressure on erectile function

Objective: To assess factors modifying the effect of blood pressure on erectile function. Methods: Nine hundred and twenty-four men at risk for cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but without manifested chronic diseases, were identified in a population survey carried out in south-western Finland during 2005-2007. The main outcome measures were hypertension status, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory. Results: When adjusted with age, cohabiting status, waist circumference, and education, the association of hypertension and erectile dysfunction was not statistically significant. Presence of depressive symptoms increased the adjusted odds ratios of erectile dysfunction by 2.44 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-3.80] in normotensive men, by 7.62 (95% CI 1.89-30.65) in previously undiagnosed hypertensive patients, and by 2.04 (95% CI 0.87-4.78) in medically treated hypertensive patients. Conclusions: Hypertension per se does not predispose men to erection problems. Instead, psychological factors are the critical component to consider in men suffering from erectile dysfunction.