Popular Drugs May Affect Erection — Doctors
A study by Chinese scientists found a possible link between long-term use of the statins atorvastatin and simvastatin and an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Analysis of genetic data from more than 223,000 people showed an overall risk increase of 6.4%, while no such link was found for rosuvastatin. The authors emphasize that the results do not prove causation and do not call for stopping treatment without consulting a doctor.
Scientists from China have discovered a possible link between long-term use of two common statins—atorvastatin and simvastatin—and an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The study, based on genetic data from more than 223,000 people from the UK Biobank and the Finnish FinnGen, showed that statin use overall is associated with a 6.4% increase in risk, but most of this risk is attributed to the mentioned drugs. No similar link was found for rosuvastatin. The researchers suggest that the difference may be explained by the fat solubility of atorvastatin and simvastatin, which allows them to penetrate testicular tissue and affect testosterone production, whereas rosuvastatin acts mainly in the liver. However, the authors emphasize that the results do not prove a causal relationship and are not a reason to stop taking statins on your own. They recommend that doctors consider patients' sexual health and discuss possible alternatives, such as switching to rosuvastatin, but only after consultation. The article also notes that erectile dysfunction can be a sign of cardiovascular problems, and if it occurs, one should consult a doctor.