Disfunção eréctil e obesidade

Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for a satisfactory sexual performance, is related with physical and psychological issues in men's health, and has a strong negative impact on their quality of life. Many epidemiologic studies show not only the high prevalence of ED worldwide but also the correlation between common risks factors for ED and cardiovascular disease, some of them potentially modifiable. Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of ED in obese men, so it is believed that obesity may be an independent predictive factor of this disease. Although many treatment options are available, none of them offers a complete response to all patients. Thus, the most effective approach must be directed to act in possible risk factors or potentially modifiable ones, as obesity and sedentarism. Actually, obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and the modification of behavioral risk factors theoretically may be a safe strategy to reduce the risk of both erectile and endothelial dysfunctions. An overview is given on the role of cardiovascular disease and obesity in the pathophysiology of ED, as well as the links between these entities.