Helicobacter pylori and erectile dysfunction Original paper

In this prospective pilot study, higher levels of Helicobacter pylori antibodies were found in participants who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, compared to healthy control participants.

This Study Summary was published on August 23, 2022.

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria that can infect the digestive tract and cause ulcers. Research suggests that H. pylori infection may contribute to atherosclerosis (i.e., a buildup of plaques in the arteries, which causes blockage and impairs blood flow), which is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED).[1]

The study

This prospective controlled pilot study included 30 participants who were diagnosed with ED and 30 control participants of similar age and BMI but without ED. Levels of H. pylori-specific antibodies were assessed (indicating the presence of H. pylori in the body), along with lipids, fasting blood glucose, and C-reactive protein (CRP; a marker of inflammation).

The results

Levels of H. pylori-specific antibodies were higher in the ED group than in the control group (39.7 and 21.0 arbitrary units/mL, respectively). Inflammation, as measured by CRP, was higher in the ED group as well. The authors of this study noted that further research is warranted to investigate the role of H. pylori in the development of ED.

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This Study Summary was published on August 23, 2022.