Advances in the study of the relationship between gut microbiota and erectile dysfunction

Abstract Introduction In recent years, in-depth research has revealed that gut microbiota has an inseparable relationship with erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Objectives (1) To review the correlation between gut microbiota and ED from the perspective of its impact on men’s mental health, metabolism, immunity, and endocrine regulation and (2) to provide reference to further explore the pathogenesis of ED and the improvement of clinical treatment plans. Methods PubMed was used for the literature search to identify publications related to ED and gut microbiota. Results Gut microbiota may induce depression and anxiety through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, leading to the occurrence of psychological ED. It may also cause vascular endothelial dysfunction and androgen metabolism disorder by interfering with lipid metabolism, immunity, and endocrine regulation, leading to the occurrence of organic ED. Conclusion Gut microbiota and its metabolites play an important role in the occurrence and development of ED. As a new influencing factor of ED, gut microbiota disorder is expected to become a target for treatment.