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Does bicycling contribute to the risk of erectile dysfunction? Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS)

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 13, pages 298–302 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

An association between bicycling and erectile dysfunction (ED) has been described previously, but there are limited data examining this association in a random population of men. Such data would incorporate bicyclists with varied types of riding and other factors. Data from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) were utilized to examine the association between bicycling and ED. Logistic regression was used to test for an association, controlling for age, energy expenditure, smoking, depression and chronic illness. Bicycling less than 3 h per week was not associated with ED and may be somewhat protective. Bicycling 3 h or more per week may be associated with ED. Data revealed that there may be a reduced probability of ED in those who ride less than 3 h per week and ED may be more likely in bikers who ride more than 3 h per week. More population-based research is needed to better define this relationship.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grant AG 04673 from the National Institute on Aging, and by grants DK 44995 and DK 51345 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. The authors would like to thank Andre Araujo for his thoughtful comments during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New England Research Institutes, Watertown, MA, USA

    L Marceau, K Kleinman & J McKinlay

  2. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    I Goldstein

Authors
  1. L Marceau
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  2. K Kleinman
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  3. I Goldstein
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  4. J McKinlay
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Correspondence to L Marceau.

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Marceau, L., Kleinman, K., Goldstein, I. et al. Does bicycling contribute to the risk of erectile dysfunction? Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS). Int J Impot Res 13, 298–302 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900733

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900733

Keywords

  • bicycling
  • erectile dysfunction
  • epidemiology
  • aging
  • men

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