Chronic periodontitis is associated with erectile dysfunction. A case-control study in european population

AimTo determine the association between chronic periodontitis and erectile dysfunction adjusting for biochemical markers and other comorbidities. MethodsA case-control study was conducted on 158 male patients; 80 cases with erectile dysfunction according to the International Index of Erectile Function and 78 controls. Sociodemographic data were gathered, and a periodontal examination was performed. Testosterone, lipid profile, C-reactive protein and glycaemic parameters were assessed. All variables were compared between groups, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results74% of the cases were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Number of sites with pocket probing depth 4-6mm (p=0.05) and number of sites with clinical attachment loss >3mm (p<0.01) were higher in the cases. Triglycerides (p<0.01), C-reactive protein (p=0.02) and glycosylated haemoglobin (p=0.04) were also higher in the cases. Logistic regression showed that patients with chronic periodontitis were more likely to have erectile dysfunction (OR=2.17; 95% CI (1.06-4.43); p=0.03) independently of other confounders. ConclusionPatients with erectile dysfunction showed worse periodontal condition. Chronic periodontitis seems to play a key role as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction independently of other morbidities.