Question:
Do statins affect erections in men?
Answer:
The science on statins and sexual function is inconclusive, but it does appear that taking a statin may sometimes affect a person's sex life.
Researchers looked at statin use and sexual function in 1,000 men and women, half of whom were given a statin and half of whom took a placebo. Over all, men on statins were about twice as likely as those taking placebos to report that their ability to achieve orgasm had become “somewhat worse” or “much worse.”
Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, medical school, who helped conduct that study, says doctors don't always take patients seriously when they talk about side effects, sexual or otherwise. In other research, Dr. Golomb found that when patients complained about the most commonly recognized side effects of statins, their doctors denied the possibility of a connection more than half the time.
Medical problems that lead to a statin prescription might also be to blame for changes in sexual function, said Dr. Natan Bar-Chama, director of male reproductive medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Statins are commonly prescribed for people with ailments such as diabetes or heart disease, which can cause erectile dysfunction. If the underlying disease improves when someone takes statins, then erectile function is likely to improve as well, he said.
Ask Well: Statins and Your Sex Life
Do Statins Affect Erections in Men?
The relationship between statin medications and sexual function remains a subject of scientific debate, with research suggesting that these cholesterol-lowering drugs may sometimes impact a person's sex life, though the evidence is far from conclusive.What the Research Shows
A significant study examined statin use and sexual function in 1,000 participants, divided equally between those receiving statins and those taking placebos. The findings revealed that men taking statins were approximately twice as likely as those on placebo to report that their ability to achieve orgasm had deteriorated, describing it as "somewhat worse" or "much worse."Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor at the University of California, San Diego medical school who participated in this research, notes an important concern: physicians don't always take patients seriously when they discuss side effects, whether sexual or otherwise. Her additional research uncovered that when patients reported even the most commonly recognized side effects of statins, their doctors denied any possible connection more than half the time.
The Complicating Factor
The picture becomes more complex when considering the underlying health conditions that typically lead to statin prescriptions in the first place. Dr. Natan Bar-Chama, director of male reproductive medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, points out that statins are commonly prescribed for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease—both of which are known independent causes of erectile dysfunction.This creates a challenging situation when trying to identify the true cause of sexual dysfunction. If the underlying cardiovascular disease or metabolic condition improves with statin therapy, erectile function may actually improve as well, according to Dr. Bar-Chama. This suggests that in some cases, the benefits of treating the underlying condition with statins may outweigh any potential negative effects on sexual function.
The Bottom Line
While research indicates a potential link between statin use and changes in sexual function, particularly regarding orgasm achievement, the science remains inconclusive. The interplay between the medications, the underlying diseases they treat, and sexual function makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Men experiencing sexual dysfunction while taking statins should discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider, who can help determine whether the medication or the underlying condition is the more likely culprit.
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