Statins and Male Sexual Health: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Richard Davis, Kelly R. Reveles, Sayed K. Ali, Eric M. Mortensen, Christopher R. Frei, Ishak Mansi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Conflicting reports exist regarding the role of statins in male gonadal and sexual function. Some studies report a beneficial effect, particularly for erectile dysfunction (ED), through statins' anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective properties. Others suggest that statins might be associated with sexual dysfunction through negative effects on hormone levels. Aim: This study aims to compare the risk of gonadal or sexual dysfunction in statin users vs. nonusers in a single-payer healthcare system. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all male patients (30-85 years) enrolled in the Tricare San Antonio market. Using 79 baseline characteristics, we created a propensity score-matched cohort of statin users and nonusers. The study duration was divided into a baseline period (October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2005) to describe patient baseline characteristics, and a follow-up period (October 1, 2005 to March 1, 2012) to determine patient outcomes. Statin users were defined as those prescribed a statin for ≥3 months between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005. Main Outcome Measures: Outcomes were identified as the occurrence of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), ED, infertility, testicular dysfunction, or psychosexual dysfunction during the follow-up period as identified by inpatient or outpatient InternationalClassification ofDiseases, 9thRevision, ClinicalModification codes. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of statin use with patient outcomes. Results: Of 20,731 patients who met study criteria, we propensity score-matched 3,302 statin users with 3,302 nonusers. Statin use in men was not significantly associated with an increased or decreased risk of BPH (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.19), ED (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.90-1.13), infertility (OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.66-2.29), testicular dysfunction (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.73-1.14), or psychosexual dysfunction (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.94-1.14). Conclusions: Statin use was not associated with increased risk of being diagnosed with gonadal or sexual dysfunction in men. Further studies using a larger sample may be needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)158-167
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Sexual Medicine
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Male Infertility
  • Psychosexual Dysfunction
  • Statin
  • Testicular Dysfunction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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