Introduction Both chronic periodontal disease (CPD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are associated with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, including smoking and diabetes mellitus. However, the association between ED and CPD has never been studied. Aim To study the association between ED and CPD. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of ED, prevalence of CPD, ED severity. Methods: The study population consisted of 305 men who filled the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire in order to detect ED and assess its severity, and underwent a pair of standardized posterior dental bitewing radiographs in order to detect CPD. SHIM questionnaire scores 21 or less represented ED. Alveolar bone loss of ≥6 mm represented CPD. Results The mean age of included men was 39.5 ± 6.7 years. Overall, 70 (22.9%) men had ED and 13 (4.3%) had CPD. CPD was significantly more prevalent among men with mild ED (P = 0.004) and moderate to severe ED (P = 0.007) in comparison to men without ED. Conclusions ED might be associated with CPD. These preliminary findings are consistent with theories that associate these conditions with systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis.

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early and first sign of an underlying systemic disease. A screening program is offered by the Medical services of the Israel Defense Force for career servicemen at the Staff Periodic Examination Center (SPEC) aimed at early detection of morbidity. The Sexual Human Inventory for Males (SHIM) questionnaire was introduced to these men in order to identify ED, to offer men with ED suitable treatment options, and to investigate underlying systemic diseases. Aim To provide epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of ED among a large-scale young adult population. Methods Subjects aged 25–50 years are undergoing a routine check-up at SPEC. Blood samples, physiological measures, demographic variables, information on health status and smoking habits are recorded and documented. The SHIM self-administrated questionnaire was used to characterize ED. Results During 2001–2003, 11,914 males reported to SPEC (average age 34.8 ± 7.1 years). Five thousand eight hundred thirty-six of them chose to answer the SHIM questionnaire (compliance of 48.9%). According to the SHIM scores, at least one out of three men (26.9%) suffered from ED (19%, 7%, and 1% had mild, moderate, and severe ED, respectively). ED was prevalent also among young adults: 22.1% of males under-40 had low SHIM scores (<21). Severity of ED correlated with age and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion In light of these results, we conclude that ED is a major health concern among young men as well. Incorporating questions regarding sexual health in a routine check-up may encourage more men to seek treatment, not only for ED, but also for underlying diseases.