Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection to permit satisfactory sexual activity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum folic acid (FA) level and ED evaluated by International Index of Erection Function 5 score (IIEF-5 score) and penile duplex ultrasonography.
Patients and methods
The study included 30 ED patients and 30 persons as controls within the age group of 20–50 years. FA levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for all patients and controls. All patients and controls were asked to complete the IIEF-5. ED patients underwent pharmacopenile duplex ultrasonography.
Results
There was statistically significant lower serum FA level in the patient group than control group. There was statistically significant positive correlation between serum FA levels and IIEF-5 scores. There was also statistically significant lower serum FA level among ED patients with arterial insufficiency, venous leakage, and mixed vascular affection than those with normal penile duplex; Also, there were lower serum FA level in patients with arterial insufficiency and mixed vascular affection than those with venous leakage patients.
Conclusion
A significant lower FA levels was detected in ED patients; FA level correlated positively with IIEF-5 score. FA levels were significantly lower in ED patients with vasculogenic affection detected by penile duplex ultrasound compared with ED patients without vasculogenic affection. FA supplementation is recommended in the treatment of ED.