Is there a link between erectile dysfunction and hip fractures?

This study investigated the risk of hip fractures in men with erectile dysfunction. Researchers report preliminary evidence for a link between erectile dysfunction and hip fractures.

Atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque within the artery wall) is a major risk factor for heart disease or strokes. Atherosclerosis of arteries supplying the penis is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, there is a link between heart disease and erectile dysfunction. Once heart disease is diagnosed, erectile dysfunction can be more likely, and vice versa.

Heart disease has also been noted to be a risk factor for bone damage. Hip fractures are considered the most severe incident of bone damage. They often have a significant effect on quality of life. Since erectile dysfunction and hip fractures are both associated with heart disease risk factors, they may also be associated with each other. 

This study aimed to examine a possible link between hip fractures and erectile dysfunction.

4,636 men with erectile dysfunction were included in the analysis. A further 18,544 men without erectile dysfunction were randomly selected as a control group. None of the men had a history of hip fractures. The incidence of hip fractures was recorded over a period of up to 15 years.

Over the course of the study, 1.27% of men with erectile dysfunction developed a hip fracture. This was significantly higher than the incidence rate of hip fractures in the control group (0.75%). The erectile dysfunction group consistently had a higher incidence of hip fracture across all ages. However, the incidence rate increased with age.

Additional medical conditions were more common in men with erectile dysfunction than in the control group (including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol). Regardless of additional medical conditions and age, the incidence of hip fractures was 3.7-times higher in men with erectile dysfunction than in the control group. 

Researchers concluded that men with erectile dysfunction are at increased risk of hip fractures. 

Please note that erectile dysfunction may not cause hip fractures directly. Rather, both seem to share common risk factors. This study included only Asian men. It is not clear from this study whether the association between erectile dysfunction and hip fracture is true for men of all ethnicities.

Consult your physician regarding bone health and screening.