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(pairwise)) 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(partial)) weakened, and correlation significance disappeared, except LH (for AMS: r(partial)=0.096, p=.009; for IIEF-5: r(partial)=-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.