The study aims to understand the relationship between VAI (visceral adiposity index) and erectile dysfunction in males. It also aims at finding the cutoff value of the index for the condition
The researchers used a prospective cross-sectional study covering 276 subjects, categorized into five groups – no ED, mild ED, mild to moderate ED, moderate condition, and severe condition. The researchers calculated fasting glucose level, estradiol, testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and prolactin level in those groups. Scores for erectile function, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, general satisfaction, and desire were marked using a questionnaire. Using BMI, patients were classified into three groups – less than 25, 25 to 29.9, and 30 or more. Based on wait circumference, WC1 – less than 94 cm, WC2 – 94-102 cm, and WC3- more than 102 cm.
There was an increase in VAI in all groups, but the group with moderate and severe conditions had significantly higher VAI. There was also a higher increase in ED in those with a VAI score of more than 4.33. For every integer change, there was a 1.3 times increase in ED risk. The BMI and WC increased significantly with the severity of ED. However, there was a decrease in those with severe and moderate ED. Serum triglyceride improved, and high-density lipoprotein fell with an increase in severity. The ED rate for increasing WC and BMI were similar for the first three categories.
VAI is found to be a reliable risk factor indicator for ED.
Ref: https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30717-7/fulltext
