Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men and maybe an early indicator of more severe cardiovascular disease. There have been very few studies on the aetiology of this condition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between erectile dysfunction and health behaviors.

220 patients were included in the study. They filled a questionnaire about their erectile dysfunction and health behavior. Erectile dysfunction was classified in 3 groups: no erection, moderate erection not sufficient for penetration and moderate erection sufficient for penetration.

The mean age was 62y (49-77). 26% of the patients reported no erection or erection insufficient for penetration. It is included health behaviors and further adjusted for age, marital status and chronic diseases as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease. Men in the top 25% of physical activity had about 50% lower figures of erectile dysfunction compared to men in the bottom 25%.

Smoking was strongly associated with increased figures of erectile dysfunction. Compared to abstainers, men who drank 0-2 drinks per day had lower figures of erectile dysfunction. Odesity was also associated with erectile dysfunction but was somewhat attenuated after controlling for physical activity

Itʼs obviously that erectile dysfunction is strongly associated with several behavior factors such as physical activity even after controlling age, marital status and chronic diseases. The results suggest that men may be able to decrease their likelihood of severe erectile dysfunction by modifying certain health behaviors.