Statins and Erectile Dysfunction: A Critical Summary of Current Evidence

Recently, it has been reported that the administration of statins (lipid lowering drugs) is associated with reduced levels of testosterone and this evidence has opened a debate on the consequences that these widely used drugs may have on the quality of erection. This is a very important clinical problem because patients with dyslipidemia are at increased risk to develop erectile dysfunction (ED), hence statins exert a protective effect. At the same time, the administration of these drugs reduce endothelial dysfunction, a key etiopathogenetic factor in the onset of ED. In addition statins are universally considered a key element of secondary prevention for vascular events, therefore, several points are actually opened. This critical summary attempts to evaluate the effects of statins on ED, to understand the mechanisms through which statins improve the quality of erection and the possible synergism with V phosphodiesterase inhibitors, drugs largely used for the treatment of ED.