Association Between Isolated Postprandial Dyslipidemia And Erectile Dysfunction

Background: Postprandial lipid testing is increasingly recognized as a marker of vascular health. However, its relationship with erectile dysfunction (ED) remains largely unexplored. Isolated postprandial dyslipidemia (IPD), in particular, may evade detection using conventional fasting-based assessments, despite potential atherogenic effects. Objectives: To evaluate the association between IPD and erectile function, comparing the prevalence and severity of ED among men with IPD, combined dyslipidemia (CD), and those without dyslipidemia (WD). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, sexually active men aged ≥18 years underwent same-day fasting and postprandial lipid testing, as well as erectile function evaluation using the International Index of Erectile Function – Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) questionnaire. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society criteria. Patients were categorized as WD (no dyslipidemia), IPD (postprandial abnormalities only), or CD (both fasting and postprandial abnormalities). Multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for age, smoking status, BMI, and hypertension. The primary outcome was the prevalence of ED (IIEF-EF ≤25); secondary outcomes included ED severity and comparisons across lipid profile subgroups. Results: Among 351 men, ED prevalence was higher in the IPD (55.1%) and CD (57.0%) groups compared to WD (32.8%; p < 0.001). Median (IQR) IIEF-EF scores were 26 (25–28) in the WD group, 22 (20–23) in the IPD group, and 21 (19–23) in the CD group. The differences between WD and both IPD and CD exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (4 points) and were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses confirmed increased odds of ED in IPD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–3.96) and CD (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.43–4.65) versus WD. ED severity was also greater in the IPD and CD groups. No differences emerged between IPD and CD in any outcome. Among IPD subtypes, elevated postprandial triglycerides were most common, but no single lipid abnormality was independently associated with ED severity. Conclusion: IPD is associated with both the prevalence and severity of ED, paralleling the impact of chronic dyslipidemia. Postprandial lipid testing may reveal hidden metabolic risks relevant to sexual health and should be considered in the evaluation of ED.