Comparison of Serum Magnesium Levels in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Healthy Peers

Abstract

Objective: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common health problem among men that disrupts the quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum magnesium levels in patients with ED are different from those in healthy individuals.

Methods: The study accessed the data of 344 patients who applied to the urology clinic from 2014 to 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with ED, Group 1 (n=155) and those without ED, Group 2 (control; n=189). Characteristics such as patients' age, additional diseases, and smoking habits were recorded and compared between the two groups along with laboratory parameters such as levels of serum magnesium, calcium, and inflammatory markers. Sexual situation was assessed with the SHIM-5 form.

Results: Patients aged 63.15 +/- 8.90 years were included in Group 1 and those aged 61.63 +/- 8.01 years were included in Group 2 (p=0.101). There were no differences between the groups in terms of BMI and waist circumference (p>0.05). Serum magnesium levels were 1.94 +/- 0.20 and 2.00 +/- 0.17 mg/dl in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.008). WBC value for inflammatory makers were 6.94 +/- 1.74 and 6.58 +/- 1.43 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.04).

Conclusion: Our study found that serum magnesium values were reduced in ED patients than in the control group. Therefore, it may be beneficial to determine serum magnesium values in ED patients. Additionally, serum magnesium values may be used as markers for the early identification of patients at risk.