New erectile dysfunction was frequently reported after a first heart attack
A review estimated how often erectile dysfunction developed among men without previous symptoms, finding a substantial but imprecisely measured burden after a first heart attack.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
New erectile dysfunction was frequently recorded among men who had survived a first heart attack without having the condition beforehand. The pooled estimate was imprecise and studies differed substantially. These data describe what happened after a heart attack; they do not establish that the heart attack caused each case.
The authors identify few eligible studies, incomplete baseline reporting and substantial variation between studies. These limitations reduce precision and make it difficult to assess how consistently the pooled estimate applies across settings.
What researchers found
Pooled incidence of new erectile dysfunction
After a first heart attack in men without prior erectile dysfunction; no separate comparator or common follow-up period was reported.
Who the estimate concerns
The review focused on new cases assessed with validated erectile-function questionnaires. Its estimate therefore concerns men without previous erectile dysfunction, rather than the prevalence of the condition among everyone recovering from a heart attack.
Timing needs separate interpretation
Narrative reports suggested that most cases emerged within 6 months. That timing summary should not be read as the follow-up window for the pooled incidence, because the abstract does not state a common observation period.
The original publication
De novo erectile dysfunction after first myocardial infarction: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sama C, Ajibade A, Al-Saed M et al.
J Sex Med · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41319020
- Record checked
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