Priapus is Happier with Venus than with Bacchus

Abstract

Introduction The relationship between alcohol consumption and erectile function is still not completely clarified. Aim Aims of the present study are to explore a number of biological and clinical correlates of alcohol consumption in a sample of men consulting for sexual dysfunction, and to verify possible associations with the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Methods A consecutive series of 1956 (mean age 55 ± 11.9 years old) attending our outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied. A subset of the previous sample (N=1687) was enrolled in a longitudinal study. Main Outcome Measures Different clinical, biochemical, instrumental (penile Doppler ultrasound [PCDU]), and intrapsychic (Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire [MHQ]) were evaluated. We considered alcohol abuse more than three drinks per day. Results Among the patients studied 81% reported no or mild (<4 drinks/day) alcohol consumption whereas 14.3% and 3.9% declared a moderate (4–6 drinks/day) or severe (>6 drinks/day) alcohol abuse, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, both moderate or severe alcohol abuse was associated with low perceived partner’s sexual desire, worse couple relationship, and smoking abuse. Furthermore, moderate and severe alcohol abuse was associated with low prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, as well as an increase in triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. Penile blood flow was reduced in moderate and severe alcohol drinkers even after adjustment for confounders. In the longitudinal study, after adjusting for confounding factors, any kind of alcohol abuse was independently associated with a higher incidence of MACE (hazard ratio=2.043 [1.059–3.943]; P <0.0001). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that, in subjects consulting for erectile dysfunction, severe alcohol consumption is associated with a worse sexual function and a higher incidence of MACE.

Erectile dysfunction

“…Evidence from observational studies suggests a positive dose–response association between quantity and duration of smoking and the risk of erectile dysfunction 86,87 . Similar results have been documented for alcohol abuse 88 . In addition, diets that are low in whole-grain foods, legumes, vegetables and fruits, and high in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and sugary foods and beverages are all associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction 89 .…”

Metabolic syndrome and prostate abnormalities in male subjects of infertile couples

“…Subjects with ≥3 MetS components ( n = 22) were compared with controls selected from the same cohort at a 1:2 ratio ( n = 44). For each case, the first two patients following those with MetS within the same series who were the same age (±4 years) and who showed a similar TT level (± 4 nmol l −1 ), smoking habit (current/nonsmoker) and moderate-severe alcohol consumption (current/no consumption of ≥4 drinks per day based on a previous publication41). For statistical analyses that compared cases with age-, TT-, smoking habit-, moderate-severe alcohol consumption-matched controls, associations with P < 0.05 were considered significant.…”

Testosterone deficiency in the aging male and its relationship with sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases

“…The main characteristics of this study have been previously reported (18). Lifestyle factors, such as education (18), or smoking (18) and drinking (66) habits, also have deleterious effects on forthcoming MACEs. Information on mortality up to 31 December 2007, including causes of death, was obtained from the City of Florence Registry Office, which contains complete and updated records of all individuals living within city boundaries.…”