This study reviewed the effects of statin therapy on erectile function.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is especially common among men with risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Cholesterol lowering drugs called statins are often used to treat such risk factors.

Improvement of pre-existing conditions is known to improve erectile function. However, the direct effect of statin therapy on erectile function has not been fully studied. 

Eleven trials, including a total of 713 men, were included in this analysis. Changes in patient reported sexual function were reviewed. Men receiving statin therapy were compared to control patients (men not receiving statins).

Overall, men receiving statin treatment reported greater improvements in sexual function than control patients. Improvement in sexual function scores were noted regardless of cholesterol levels, age or additional medical conditions.

Results were also compared to studies reporting sexual function scores with other known treatments of ED. Improvement in sexual function was greater with statin therapy compared to lifestyle changes alone.  Improvement in sexual function with statin therapy was about one-third to one-half of that reported with PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors (drugs used to get an erection, such as Viagra).

Statin therapy is associated with improved erectile function among men, regardless of cholesterol levels.