The impact of age, BMI and sex hormone on aging males' symptoms and the international index of erectile function scores.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of age, BMI and sex hormone on aging males' symptoms (AMS) and the 5-item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) scores in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiashan County. A total of 969 men, aged between 40 and 80 years old, were admitted. Physical examination and the sex hormones were measured, and AMS and IIEF-5 scores were assessed.

RESULTS

The oneway ANOVA analysis indicated older age groups had higher AMS total-scores, somatic and sexual sub-scores, and lower IIEF5 scores (all p < .01). Pairwise correlation (r) analyses showed the significant associations between AMS and age or sex hormone (cFT, Bio-T, SHBG, and LH) levels, and similar for IIEF5. However, when age was adjusted, the correlation coefficients (r) weakened, and correlation significance disappeared, except LH (for AMS: r = 0.096, p = .009; for IIEF-5: r =  -0.140, p = .001). Multiple linear regressions confirmed the influence of increased age and LH on the AMS and IIEF5 scores.

CONCLUSION

CFT, Bio-T and SHBG failed to yield any additional predicting information when age was adjusted. To improve the male reproductive health, future research should pay more attention on aging-related comorbidities and how to improve general wellness.