Association between air pollution and male sexual function: A nationwide observational study in China

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 469; p. 134010
• Main Authors: Shen, Ziyuan, Zhang, Feng, Guo, Zihan, Qu, Rui, Wei, Yiqiu, Wang, Jingxuan, Zhang, Weiqian, Xing, Xing, Zhang, Yan, Liu, Jue, Tang, Dongdong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 05.05.2024
• Subjects: air pollutants; Air Pollutants - analysis; Air Pollutants - toxicity; Air pollution; Air Pollution - adverse effects; Air Pollution - analysis; alcohol drinking; algorithms; China; China - epidemiology; diagnostic techniques; ejaculation; Erectile dysfunction; Humans; Male; males; Nitrogen Dioxide; observational studies; Particulate Matter - analysis; Premature ejaculation; Sexual function; China; Premature ejaculation; Air pollution; Male; Erectile dysfunction; Sexual function
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134010

This study aimed to explore the associations between air pollution and male sexual function. A total of 5047 male subjects in China were included in this study. The average air pollution exposure (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3) for the preceding 1, 3, 6, and 12 months before the participants' response was assessed. Male sexual function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Generalized linear models were utilized to explore the associations between air pollution and male sexual function. K-prototype algorithm was conducted to identify the association among specific populations. Significant adverse effects on the IIEF-5 score were observed with NO2 exposure during the preceding 1, 3, and 6 months (1 m: β = −5.26E-05; 3 m: β = −4.83E-05; 6 m: β = −4.23E-05, P < 0.05). PM2.5 exposure during the preceding 12 months was found to significantly negatively affect the PEDT after adjusting for confounding variables. Our research indicated negative correlations between air pollutant exposures and male sexual function for the first time. Furthermore, these associations were more pronounced among specific participants who maintain a normal BMI, exhibit extroverted traits, and currently engage in smoking and alcohol consumption. [Display omitted] •Average NO2 exposure was negatively associated with IIEF-5 scores.•PM2.5 exposure over the preceding 12 months negatively impacted the PEDT.•Reducing air pollution exposure is important for male sexual function.