Usage of neck circumference as novel indicator of erectile dysfunction: a pilot study in T urkish population

Summary Erectile dysfunction ( ED ) is the most common male sexual problem worldwide. The association between ED and components of metabolic syndrome ( M t S ) is well established. This study examined neck circumference ( NC ) as a possible indicator of M t S and also of ED . Ninety‐two patients were included and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 47 patients with ED and Group 2 consisted of 45 healthy volunteers. Questionnaires, differences in anthropometric and laboratory measurements between patients with ED and the control group, and a cut‐off value for NC were investigated. The mean NC in ED patients was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 ( P   =   0.001), and Group 1 also demonstrated more MtS criteria than Group 2 ( P   <   0.001). The cut‐off point of NC was defined as 34.75 cm for ED and M t S . The cut‐off values of waist circumference for ED and M t S were 105.5 and 102.5 cm respectively. In the light of these findings, NC may be a new component of M t S in ED patients. Additionally, NC may be a novel indicator of central obesity and ED . We suggest that NC values of 35 cm and over may predict ED in patients with M t S .