Chronic periodontitis is associated with erectile dysfunction. A case–control study in european population

Aim To determine the association between chronic periodontitis and erectile dysfunction adjusting for biochemical markers and other comorbidities. Methods A case–control study was conducted on 158 male patients; 80 cases with erectile dysfunction according to the International Index of Erectile Function and 78 controls. Sociodemographic data were gathered, and a periodontal examination was performed. Testosterone, lipid profile, C‐reactive protein and glycaemic parameters were assessed. All variables were compared between groups, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results 74% of the cases were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Number of sites with pocket probing depth 4‐6 mm ( p  =   0.05) and number of sites with clinical attachment loss >3 mm ( p  <   0.01) were higher in the cases. Triglycerides ( p  <   0.01), C‐reactive protein ( p  =   0.02) and glycosylated haemoglobin ( p  =   0.04) were also higher in the cases. Logistic regression showed that patients with chronic periodontitis were more likely to have erectile dysfunction ( OR =2.17; 95% CI (1.06–4.43); p  =   0.03) independently of other confounders. Conclusion Patients with erectile dysfunction showed worse periodontal condition. Chronic periodontitis seems to play a key role as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction independently of other morbidities.