Cannabis users were four times more likely to have erectile dysfunction in a meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of five studies found that cannabis users had an erectile dysfunction prevalence of 69% compared to 35% in non-users, with nearly four times the odds of ED.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across 3,395 men (1,035 cannabis users, 2,360 controls), the overall ED prevalence was 69.1% in cannabis users versus 34.7% in controls. The odds ratio for ED in cannabis users was 3.83 (95% CI: 1.30-11.28, p=.02), though heterogeneity was high (I-squared = 90%).
Key Numbers
5 studies, 3,395 men. ED prevalence: 69.1% in cannabis users vs. 34.7% in controls. OR = 3.83 (95% CI 1.30-11.28, p=.02). I-squared = 90%. Prediction interval: 0.35-7.26.
How They Did This
Systematic review and meta-analysis of major databases through January 2019. Five case-control studies were included. Random-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios.
Why This Research Matters
Erectile dysfunction is rarely discussed in the context of cannabis use. This meta-analysis provides the first pooled estimate of this relationship, suggesting a significant association that may be relevant for the many young men who use cannabis.
The Bigger Picture
Cannabis is often perceived as harmless or even beneficial for sexual function. This meta-analysis challenges that perception, though the high heterogeneity and small number of studies mean more research is needed.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only five case-control studies were available. Heterogeneity was very high (I-squared = 90%), and prediction intervals overlapped 1.00. All studies involved smoked cannabis; other consumption methods were not represented.
Questions This Raises
- ?Is there a dose-response relationship between cannabis frequency and ED risk?
- ?Does the method of consumption matter?
- ?Are the effects reversible with cessation?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 69% ED prevalence in cannabis users vs. 35% in non-users
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: meta-analysis with pooled analysis, but limited to five studies with high heterogeneity.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019.
- Original Title:
- Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Published In:
- American journal of men's health, 13(6), 1557988319892464 (2019)
- Authors:
- Pizzol, Damiano, Demurtas, Jacopo(2), Stubbs, Brendon(3), Soysal, Pinar, Mason, Corina, Isik, Ahmet Turan, Solmi, Marco, Smith, Lee, Veronese, Nicola
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02233
Evidence Hierarchy
Combines results from multiple studies to find an overall pattern.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis definitely cause erectile dysfunction?
The meta-analysis found a strong association, but the high heterogeneity and small number of studies mean causation is not established. Confounding factors like tobacco co-use may play a role.
Why was heterogeneity so high?
The five studies differed in how they measured cannabis use, defined ED, and selected participants. These differences likely contributed to the wide variation in results across studies.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02233APA
Pizzol, Damiano; Demurtas, Jacopo; Stubbs, Brendon; Soysal, Pinar; Mason, Corina; Isik, Ahmet Turan; Solmi, Marco; Smith, Lee; Veronese, Nicola. (2019). Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. American journal of men's health, 13(6), 1557988319892464. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319892464
MLA
Pizzol, Damiano, et al. "Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.." American journal of men's health, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319892464
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: ..." RTHC-02233. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/pizzol-2019-relationship-between-cannabis-use
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.