Environmental Exposures and Erectile Health - Abstract
It is moderately well known that exposure to first and second hand tobacco smoke can significantly increase risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Less well known are other environmental triggers that have been associated with significantly higher rates pf erectile dysfunction including exposures to pesticides, solvents, endocrine disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates, and multiple chemical and psychological stressors seen in military populations like Gulf War Veterans. Other exposures that may be possibly linked to higher rates of erectile dysfunction include radiation, PM2.5, and other outdoor air pollutants, and indoor heavy mold growth/ water damage. This review will attempt to comprehensively and concisely review environmental causes of erectile dysfunction. More clinical and research attention is needed to examine the relationships between toxic exposures and erectile health and sexual / reproductive health in general. Further understanding of these toxic exposures may been helpful in avoiding harmful exposures, and also in treating men suffering from erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues.