The mechanistic study on Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor mitigating diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis

Background:This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor(NML)on rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction(DMED)and its impact on the ferroptosis signaling pathway.Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:Control,DMED,and NML.After establishing the DMED model,treatments were administered for 8 weeks.After the administration,apomorphine hydrochloride tests were conducted to measure the mass and organ index of testes and epididymides,sperm concentration and viability in each group.Penile corpus cavernosum tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in the penile corpus cavernosum tissues were determined using biochemical kits and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while the expression of proteins related to the ferroptosis signaling pathway was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared to the DMED group,the DMED rats treated with NML showed significantly increased erection frequency,testicular and epididymal mass and index,sperm count and viability,along with noticeable improvement in the pathological morphology of penile corpus cavernosum.The content of nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,and the expression of ferritin heavy chain,ferritin light chain,and glutathione peroxidase 4 proteins in penile corpus cavernosum tissue were elevated,while the expression of transferrin and STEAP3 proteins was reduced.Conclusion:NML can improve erectile function in DMED rats by inhibiting the ferroptosis signaling pathway.

Efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19:A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objective: According to the high prevalence of COVID-19 and the subsequent risk of men's sexual health, we decided to investigate the efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.Methods: In this study, 70 outpatients who were recovered from COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome with negative polymerase chain reaction test and a complaint of erectile dysfunction were divided into two groups: 35 patients who received tadalafil 5 mg daily and 35 who received placebo. For each patient, basic assessment of sexual function was performed using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Then, treatment was started from 2 months after complete recovery of COVID-19 with negative polymerase chain reaction test for 3 months. At the end of the treatments, the patients were re-evaluated for sexual function using the complete version of IIEF questionnaire. Finally, the results before and after treatment in the intervention group were compared with those of the control group.Results: Treatment with both tadalafil and placebo improved the patients' sexual function criteria compared to the baseline. However, this improvement was significantly higher in the intervention group with tadalafil than the control group with placebo (p<0.05).Conclusion: Daily administration of tadalafil 5 mg seems to be effective and safe for improvement of erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.

Pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus-related erectile dysfunction: current therapies and potential challenges

Erectile dysfunction(ED)is one of the important complications of diabetes,which is very common in diabetic patients,affecting more than half of male patients,and the incidence of the disease is about 3.5 times that of the normal population.The pathogenesis of diabetic erectile dysfunction(DMED)is complex,involving nerve,vascular,endocrine,muscular and psychological aspects.At present,the therapeutic approaches of DMED include drug therapy,surgery,physical therapy and so on.This article provides a review of current research on the pathogenesis and treatment of DMED.Further elucidation of the pathogenesis of DMED and the development of new therapeutic approaches are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of DMED.

Mechanism of the Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in treating diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction based on the CaSR/Gq-PLC-PKC pathway

Background:To investigate the mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in the treatment of diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction.Methods:Rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction were developed using streptozocin and randomly assigned into model,low-dose herbal,and high-dose herbal groups.All rats were administered normal saline or the corresponding drugs by oral gavage for 4 weeks.The related indices were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,immunohistochemistry,western blotting,and transmission electron microscopy.Results:The levels of lectin-like oxidized low-density protein receptor-1,endothelin-1,NADH oxidase,vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the model group were significantly higher than they were in the mock group but lower than they were in the herbal treatment group.The level of nitric oxide was lower in the model group than was in the mock group but higher than the level in the herbal treatment group.The calcium-sensitive receptor,phospho-protein kinase Cδ/protein kinase Cδ,phosphorylated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase,and phospho-P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression levels in the model group were higher than were in the mock group but lower than were in the herbal treatment group.The structures of the Corpus cavernosum penis endothelial cells were significantly improved in the herbal treatment group than they did in the model group.Conclusion:Xuefu Zhuyu decoction can decrease injury to the endothelium,improve vascular endothelial diastolic and contractive function,and inhibit vascular fibrosis in rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction.This mechanism may be related to the CaSR/Gq-PLC-PKC pathway.

Electrophysiological evaluation of alterations in penile sensation due to penile prosthesis implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction

Objective The present study was aimed to determine the effect of penile prosthesis implantation(PPI)surgery on penile sensation by evaluating the penile electromyography(EMG)variables.Methods The research was designed as a prospective study.Thirty patients who were diagnosed with organic erectile dysfunction and had underwent PPI surgery between January 2017 and January 2018 in the Urology Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital were included in this study.Penile sensory EMG was performed on each patient 1 day prior to the surgery by the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation clinic.Additionally,the control EMG study was also performed in the 3rd and 6th postoperative months.Results We included 27 patients in this study who attended regular follow-ups and had complete EMG results.Out of the 27 patients,23(85.2%)patients had received malleable(ProMedon)penile prosthesis,one(3.7%)patient had received a two-piece inflatable(Ambicor)penile prosthesis,and three(11.1%)patients had received a three-piece inflatable(AMS 700 CXR)penile prosthesis.The mean nerve conduction value(NCV)of the patients was 29.85(standard derivation:22.54;range:0-78.4)m/s during the preoperative period,whereas it was 27.64(standard derivation:24.72;range:0-83.3)m/s in the 3rd postoperative month and 24.80(standard derivation:22.31;range:0-88.4)m/s in the 6th postoperative month.There was no significant difference between preoperative NCV and 3rd postoperative month NCV(p=0.607).Similarly,no significant difference was observed between preoperative NCV and 6th postoperative month NCV(p=0.276).Additionally,the change between NCV values at postoperative 3rd and 6th months was not statistically significant(p=0.553).Conclusion Significant loss of penile sensation does not occur in patients who undergo PPI surgery.

Frequency and Associated Factors of Erectile Dysfunction among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in Parakou, Republic of Benin in 2022

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is a pathology less expressed by patients, but it affects their quality of life. The objective of this work is to study erectile dysfunction among patients with cirrhosis in Parakou in 2022. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted from February 1 to June 30, 2022 at the Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori and the Military Teaching Hospital of Parakou. Men with liver cirrhosis who gave their informed verbal consent were included. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed using IIEF-5 score. The prognosis of cirrhosis was assessed using Child-Pugh score. The data were analyzed by Epi Data analysis 2.3 software. Results: A total of 64 patients were included. Their mean age was 43.53 ± 13.13 years. Cirrhosis was secondary to chronic hepatitis B virus infection in 55 patients (85.94%). In this study, 42 patients (65.63%) had at least one decompensation of cirrhosis. Among the 64 patients included, 27 (42.18%) had erectile dysfunction. This erectile dysfunction was moderate in 12 patients (44.44%). The other sexual disorders found in these patients were decreased libido and ejaculation disorders. After multivariate analysis, the factors statistically associated with erectile dysfunction were: age (p Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction is common in patients with liver cirrhosis. It is more frequent when the cirrhosis is complicated and the patients are elderly. Nevertheless, it should be systematically sought in any patient with liver cirrhosis.

Headaches and Erectile Dysfunction Medications at UTH-Kara (Togo)

Introduction: Headaches are a common symptom affecting individuals worldwide, including in the tropical zone, and have been extensively studied in Togo. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, are known to induce headaches, yet there is a lack of research on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa and Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to June 30th, 2023, including adult patients seeking erectile dysfunction treatment and prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. Results: A total of 28 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 34.46 ± 7.5 years. The age group of 30 - 39 years was the most represented (53.57%). Among the participants, 67.86% had a history of chronic headaches. During the intake of PDE-5 inhibitors, 71.43% reported the onset of headaches. Among the 19 patients with chronic headaches, 68.42% developed headaches following PDE-5 inhibitor use (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.55 - 1.40, p = 0.484). The characteristics of the induced headaches were similar to the patients’ pre-existing headaches in 78.95% of cases. Additional symptoms included nasal congestion (36.84%) and an urge to have a bowel movement (26.32%). Sildenafil (75.00%) and Tadalafil (25.00%) were the primarily prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. The incidence of headaches did not significantly differ between the two groups (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.64, p = 0.306). Treatment for the induced headaches involved self-medication with paracetamol (65.00%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (35.00%). Conclusion: Headaches induced by PDE-5 inhibitors are a well-established reality, emphasizing the need for caution and warning in patients with pre-existing headache conditions, while individualized approaches are necessary to address the potential interplay between migraine medications and erectile dysfunction treatments.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients at the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou

Erectile dysfunction was one of the most common complications in diabetic patients. According to several studies, its prevalence was two to three times higher in diabetics than in the general population. But it has often been overlooked despite the fact that it seriously affects the quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated factors in diabetics’ patients. This was a cross-sectional analysis study of 76 male diabetic patients who consulted by the Department of Endocrinology from June 22, 2019 to September 25, 2019. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed by calculating the IIEF score. Statistical comparisons were made between patients without and with Erectile dysfunction chi-square test with a significance level p Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetics. Significant concomitant factors were hypertension, diabetes imbalance and the duration of diabetes. It was, therefore, important to include systematic screening for erectile dysfunction at least annually, as well as other complications of diabetes.

Erectile Dysfunction in Male with Glans Penis Apocrine Hydrocystoma: Organic or Psychogenic?

The location of the apocrine hydrocystoma in the penis region is rare. We present a case where we evaluated the erectile function of a patient presenting such an asymptomatic formation. We assessed the psychogenic component of the erectile dysfunction based on the association of the somatic component of the cyst with the patient’s inability to focus on sexual intercourse. The fear of traumatization of the cyst during sexual intercourse was considered as a triggering factor of the chain of insufficient or unsuccessful erections, and the sexual performance anxiety as a factor in maintaining this erectile dysfunction. Apparently, an organic cause induced an erectile dysfunction, through non-organic (predisposition, triggering and maintenance) mechanisms.

Sympathetic skin response:a new test to diagnose erectile dysfunction

Aim: Electrophysiological monitoring of the activity of the penile sympathetic skin responses (PSSR) in healthy menand patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: PSSR were recorded from the skin of penis with disk elec-trodes at the time of electric stimulation of left median nerves. Results: PSSR were recorded from all the healthymen and almost all the patients. In healthy men the latency of P_0, the latency of N_1, the duration of N_1 and the ampli-tude of N_1 were 1249 ± 111 ms, 2239 ± 286 ms, 1832 ± 505 ms and 470 μV (median), respectively. In ED patientsthe latency of P_0, the latency of N_1, the duration of N_1 and the amplitude of N_1 were 1467 ± 183 ms ( P < 0.01), 2561± 453 ms (P < 0.05), 2560 ± 861 ms (P < 0.01 ) and 91 μV (P < 0.01), respectively. The normal latency of Powas less than 1471 ms. The normal amplitude of N1 was more than 235μV. According to this normal value, of 20 pa-tients 11 showed longer latency of P_0, and 14 showed lower amplitude of N_1 as compared with those of normal subjects.Conclusion: PSSR can be used as an electrophysiological method in assisting the diagnosis of ED.(Asian J Androl 2001; Mar; 3: 45-48)

NADPH oxidase： recent evidence for its role in erectile dysfunction

Important roles for reactive oxygen species （ROS） in physiology and pathophysiology have been increasingly recognized. Under normal conditions, ROS serve as signaling molecules in the regulation of cellular functions. However, enhanced ROS production as a result of the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase contributes significantly to the pathogeneses of vascular diseases. Although it has become evident that increased ROS is associated with erectile dysfunction （ED）, the sources of ROS in the penis remain largely unknown. In recent years, emergent evidence suggests the possible role of NADPH oxidase in inducing ED. In this review, we examine the relationship between ROS and ED in different disease models and discuss the current evidence basis for NADPH oxidase-derive＇d ROS in ED.

Stem cell therapy and diabetic erectile dysfunction:A critical review

Erectile dysfunction(ED)has been identified as one of the most frequent chronic complications of diabetes mellitus(DM).The prevalence of ED is estimated to be about 67.4%in all DM cases worldwide.The pathophysiological process leading to ED involves endothelial,neurological,hormonal,and psychological factors.In DM,endothelial and neurological factors play a crucial role.Damages in the blood vessels and erectile tissue due to insulin resistance are the hallmark of ED in DM.The current treatments for ED include phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and penile prosthesis surgery.However,these treatments are limited in terms of just relieving the symptoms,but not resolving the cause of the problem.The use of stem cells for treating ED is currently being studied mostly in experimental animals.The stem cells used are derived from adipose tissue,bone,or human urine.Most of the studies observed an improvement in erectile quality in the experimental animals as well as an improvement in erectile tissue.However,research on stem cell therapy for ED in humans remains to be limited.Nevertheless,significant findings from studies using animal models indicate a potential use of stem cells in the treatment of ED.

Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Type 2 Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction in Sprague-Dawley Rats

In order to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetic erectile dysfunction（T2DED）, we analyzed the characteristics of gut microbiota in the Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats with T2DED. Thirty-five SD rats were randomly divided into two groups： control group（n=15） with normal diet, and experimental group（n=20） with construction of T2D model. Faecal and serum samples were collected at 2nd and 8th week after establishment of T2D model, respectively. Faecal samples were used for analysis of gut microbiota, and serum samples for detection of trimethylamine N-oxide（TMAO）, lipopolysaccharide（LPS）, and inflammatory factors like interleukin-1（IL-1）, IL-2, IL-10, and monocyte chemoattractantprotein-1（MCP-1）. The main compositions of gut microbiota were Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and Oscillospira, Allobaculum, Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, SMB53, Prevotella, Coprococcus, Sutterella and Blautia at the genus level with relatively higher abundance in all SD rats. The relative abundance of Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Aerococcus, Facklamia（opportunistic pathogens in most case） increased, and that of Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, Anaerotruncus（beneficial bacteria） decreased in T2DED group as compared with that at 2nd week after establishment of T2D model（T2D2 group）. The serum contents of TMAO, LPS, IL-1, IL-2, IL-10 and MCP-1 in T2DED group were significantly higher than those in control group. The gut microbiota of T2DED rats was inhibited. The gut microbiota of T2DED rats had changed, as the relative abundance of beneficial bacterium was decreased while that of opportunistic pathogens was increased. The variations of gut microbiota might lead to inflammation and prompt the emergence of erectile dysfunction in the rats with T2D. TMAO might play an important role in the formation of T2DED.

Progress and prospect of stem cell therapy for diabetic erectile dysfunction

Diabetic erectile dysfunction(DED)is a common complication of diabetes mellitus,significantly impairing the quality of life of patients.The conventional clinical treatment still has limitations.Stem cells(SCs),as a type of cells with multidirectional or directional differentiation capability and sustainable selfrenewal potential,are widely used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.With the continuous update of regenerative medicine theory and the success of animal experiments,SCs as a treatment for male erectile dysfunction,especially DED,have attracted widespread attention because of curable possibility.This review focus on the current progress in the clinical application of SC treatment for DED.Moreover,we summarize the development prospects of SCs in the field of DMED therapy.

Penile erectile dysfunction after brachial plexus root avulsion injury in rats

Our previous studies have demonstrated that some male patients suffering from brachial plexus injury, particularly brachial plexus root avulsion, show erectile dysfunction to varying degrees. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the erectile function after establishing brachial plexus root avulsion models with or without spinal cord injury in rats. After these models were established, we administered apomorphine （via a sub- cutaneous injection in the neck） to observe changes in erectile function. Rats subjected to simple brachial plexus root avulsion or those subjected to brachial plexus root avulsion combined with spinal cord injury had significantly fewer erections than those subjected to the sham operation. Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase did not change in brachial plexus root avulsion rats. However, neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression was significantly decreased in brachial plexus root avulsion ＋ spinal cord injury rats. These findings suggest that a decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the penis may play a role in erectile dysfunction caused by the combi- nation of brachial plexus root avulsion and spinal cord injury.

Medical management of erectile dysfunction in aging males： is it too late to treat？

Erectile dysfunction （ED） is a common disorder among aging males. However, most aging males refuse to seek medical help and believe that ED is an irreversible event in the aging process. The purpose of this study was to describe the current medical management of ED in aging males and to examine whether it is too late to treat this disorder in these elderly men. From 2007 to 2008, 4507 patients diagnosed with ED were gathered from 46 centers in China; 4241 completed the study, 3837 of whom were treated with sildenafil. The 3837 patients were divided into five groups based on age （group A： 20-30 years; group B： 31-40 years; group C： 41-50 years; group D： 51-60 years; and group E： 〉60 years）. After comparing pre- and posttreatment International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain （IIEF-EF） questionnaires, Erection Hardness Scale （EHS）, and IIEF Q13 （＂How satisfied have you been with your overall sex life？＂）, we discovered that the aging males had worse erectile function, erection hardness, and sexual satisfaction than the younger males （P〈 0.001）. After treatment, the improvement rates in the IIEF-EF, EHS, and IIEF Q13 scores were 107.0%, 83.1%, and 116.5%, respectively. The magnitude of these changes demonstrated significant differences among groups （P 〈 0.001）. Accordingly, aging males are likely to benefit more from medical treatment. We propose that aging males should be informed that age is not a limiting factor for medical ED management, and it is never too late to treat.

Efficacy and limits of sildenafil citrate in patients with arterial erectile dysfunction： role of peripheral arterial disease and cardiovascular comorbidities

Aim： To evaluate whether the response to sildenafil administration in patients with arterial erectile dysfunction （ED） was related to their peak systolic velocity （PSV）, peripheral atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factors （RF） and/or comorbidities at low cardiovascular risk. Methods： We enrolled 97 patients with 1-2 RF and comorbidities, combined with arterial ED alone （group A, n = 27）, ED plus atherosclerotic carotid artery （group B, n = 23）, ED plus lower limb artery abnormalities （group C, n = 25）, and ED plus carotid and lower limb artery abnormalities （group D, n = 22）. Sildenafil efficacy （100 mg twice a week for 12 weeks） was also examined in patients with ≥ 3 RF, peripheral a（herosclerosis and no cardiovascular comorbidities （group E, n = 20）. Results： Median PSV was 24.1, 21.0, 19.3, 14.5 and 17.5 cm/s in groups A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Sildenafil response was higher in group A patients （77.8%）, intermediate in groups B and C （65.2% and 56%） and lowest in groups D （45.4%） and E （50%）, and the response in latter two groups was significantly lower than in the other three groups. In addition, sildenafil response was nega- tively influenced by： 〉 3 RF, peripheral atherosclerosis and no systemic comorbidity, or presence of 1-2 RF associated with extended atherosclerosis and comorbidities. The number of comorbidifies was positively related to atherosclerosis localization or extension （25, 35, 38 and 47 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively）. Conclusion： Low sildenafil efficacy in patients with arterial ED was associated with extended atherosclerosis. These patients should undergo extensive ultrasonography and a full cardiovascular examination.

STUDY ON HEMODYNAMICS OF ERECTION IN DIABETIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Objective To study the cavernosa hemodynamics in diabetic erectile dysfunction ( ED).Methods 22 diabetic and 35 psychic ED patients were studied by intracavernosum injection of a mixture papaver-ine and phentolamine (30/1mg) to assess the hemodynamics changes of the corpus cavernosum by means of colour duplex ultrasonography. Results The average hemodynamics data of the diabetic ED patients vs that of the psy-chogenic ED patients in terms of peak flow velocity (PFV):20. 06±7.15cm/s vs 35. 82±9. 41cm/s, end diastolic velocity (EDV) : 8. 82±0. 35cm/s vs 5. 51±0. 42cm/s,artery diameter (Ad) : 0. 78±0. 25cm vs 1. 01±0. 42cm, vein diameter ( Vd) : 1.05±0. 32mm vs 1.21±0. 45mm, resistance index(RI) : 0. 72±0. 28 vs 0. 98±0. 31,mean velocity of artery (MV):6. 71±0. 27cm/s vs 10. 31±3. 32cm/s, dorsal deep vein flow(DDVF) : 28. 81±6. 32cm/ s vs 25. 74±0. 58cm/s. Stasticstical differences existed in PFV, Ad,RI and MV(P <0. 01). The arterial wall is thick and rigid in diabetic ED patients. Conclusion Atheroscleorsis and veno-occlusive dysfunction of the corpus cavernosum are essential to the development of diabetic ED.

Pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction

The pathophysiology of diabetes is multifactorial and no single etiology is at the forefront. The proposed mechanisms of erectile dysfunction （ED） in diabetic patients includes elevated advanced glycation end-products （AGEs） and increased levels of oxygen free radicals, impaired nitric oxide （NO） synthesis, increased endothelin B receptor binding sites and ultrastructural changes, upregulated RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, NO-dependent selective nitrergic nerve degeneration and impaired cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）-dependent kinase-1 （PKG-1）. The treatment of diabetic ED is multimodal. Treatment of the underlying hyperglycemia and comorbidities is of utmost importance to prevent or halt the progression of the disease. The peripherally acting oral phosphodiesterase type 5 （PDE5） inhibitors are the mainstay of oral medical treatment of ED in diabetics. Vacuum erection devices are an additional treatment as a non-invasive treatment option. Local administration of vasoactive medication via urethral suppository or intracorpora! injection can be effective with minimal side-effects. Patients with irreversible damage of the erectile mechanism are candidates for penile implantation. Future strategies in the evolution of the treatment of ED are aimed at correcting or treating the underlying mechanisms of ED. With an appropriate vector, researchers have been able to transfect diabetic animals with agents such as neurotrophic factors and nitric oxide synthase （NOS）. Further studies in gene therapy are needed to fully ascertain its safety and utility in humans.

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in three cities of China: a community-based study

Aim: To determine the age-adjusted prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in 3 big cities of China and to explore its potential sociodemographic, medical and lifestyle correlates. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted in three cities of China. Structured questionnaires were administered to 2 226 men, aged 20 - 86 years, by trained interviewers. Results: The age-adjusted prevalence of ED was 28.34 % (mild 15.99 %, moderate 7.14 %, severe 5.21 %). In the men above 40, the prevalence was 40.2%. Age was positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Education was negatively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Spouse companionship, living condition were positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Histories of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Cigarette smoking was not correlated with ED (P>0.05), while the cigarette consumption and duration were positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Alcohol drinking is negatively correlated with ED (P<0.01). The duration of drinking was positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Weekly alcohol consumption was not correlated with ED (P>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of ED increased with age. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hyperlipidemia were positively correlated with the increased prevalence. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, such as education, spouse companionship, living condition, cigarette and alcohol consumption or duration also have association with the prevalence of ED.