In a recent study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research , a group of researchers investigated the causal relationships between lifetime cannabis use (LCU), CU disorder (CUD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and sex hormone levels using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Study: The impact of cannabis use on erectile dysfunction and sex hormones: a Mendelian randomization analysis . Image Credit: Kitreel / Shutterstock ED is a prevalent male sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to maintain an erection, causing psychological and physical distress.
The global prevalence of ED ranges from 37.2% to 48.6%, increasing with age, and is projected to affect 322 million men by 2025.
ED affects self-confidence and relationships, underscoring the need for effective prevention and management strategies. With the legalization of cannabis, its impact on ED and sex hormones is under scrutiny. Evidence linking CU to ED is mixed, highlighting the need for further research to clarify causal relationships and guide prevention and treatment strategies.
The present study performed a secondary analysis using publicly available GWAS data, employing two-sample MR to explore the causal relationship between CU, ED, and sex hormone levels. The instrumental variables (IVs) adhere to MR assumptions: strong correlation with exposure, no confounding influences, and outcome impact determined solely by exposure interaction..
