Frailty and Erectile Dysfunction: An Understudied Correlation

The area of geriatrics and the study of the aged are gaining prominence all over the world. In the US, the population of people over 65 years old is expected to reach 71 million in 10 years. Men are projected to account for approximately 43% of the population. Owing to their more complex physiological and pathological state, elderly men face many challenges. Erectile function may diminish in elderly and vulnerable people owing to ageing, physical conditions, psychological stress, or a combination of these factors. This propensity is more common in elderly men. This article reviews the literature on frailty syndrome and erectile dysfunction (ED) to better understand them. Complete MEDLINE/PubMed review of non-systematic literature from 1990 to May 2023 was included. This topic is thoroughly researched using “frailty”, “low muscle mass”, “erectile dysfunction”, and “elderly”. Individuals with frailty tend to experience more pronounced instances of ED compared with those who are in good health primarily owing to the anomalies present in their physiological composition. This poses challenges for individuals with physical vulnerabilities to engage in intimate relationships. ED may potentially exert a substantial influence on the mental well-being of older individuals or those who are otherwise vulnerable. Research demonstrates that implementing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can effectively enhance erectile function among elderly individuals. This phenomenon persists despite the knowledge that TRT is not devoid of potential adverse effects. The present investigation has revealed a significant association of frailty, exacerbated by advancing age, with the occurrence of ED. Our findings lead to the conclusion that the condition of frailty becomes more pronounced as individuals advance in age.