The association between uric acid and erectile dysfunction in US adults: NHANES 2001–2004

Abstract Background —Recent evidence suggests that hyperuricemia may act as independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED), in addition to the already established factors. The current evidence supporting this relationship remains insufficient. Methods and results —A total of 3,810 participants from the NHANES pool between 2001 and 2004 were included in our study, comprising 1,093 individuals with ED and 2,717 individuals without ED. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between uric acid (UA) and the prevalence of ED. In the fully adjusted model, no significant association was observed between UA and ED (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.84–1.24), and no significant differences were noted among the various UA levels (p = 0.5). In our sensitivity analyses, employing a stricter definition for ED, no significant results were found in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.60–1.19). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed among the various UA levels (p = 0.083). Conclusions —Our study did not establish a correlation between UA levels and ED. Nonetheless, further research with larger sample cohorts is required to verify these findings.