Obesity, the Metabolic Syndrome, and Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Our understanding of the relationships between obesity, metabolic syndrome, and erectile dysfunction (ED) has advanced significantly over the past decades. Increase in visceral adiposity and related risk factors are associated with a proinflammatory state that results in decreased nitric oxide (NO) availability and activity that is responsible, at least in part, for endothelial injury and dysfunction as well as for ED. The reduced testosterone levels associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome may contribute to ED.