AUTHOR=Wang Wei , Ma Yucheng , Chen Jiawei , Peng Liao , Gao Xiaoshuai , Lin Lede , Zhang Fuxun , Xiong Yang , Qin Feng , Yuan Jiuhong TITLE=The Association Between 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and Erectile Dysfunction JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.910251 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.910251 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=Background

2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most frequently used herbicides in the world, and it has been linked with low testosterone; however, studies regarding its effect on erectile function are limited. The current study aimed to determine the association between the 2,4-D exposure and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

We analyzed data for urinary 2,4-D levels from 1,311 men (>20 years of age) in the NHANES 2001–2004. ED was assessed by a single, validated survey question. Multivariable logistic regression analysis utilizing sampling weights was performed to determine the relationship between 2,4-D exposure and ED.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated no statistically significant association between 2,4-D exposure and ED after full adjustment [odds ratio (OR) 1.02; 95% CI 0.77–1.36; P = 0.882)]. Men in the 2,4-D quartile 4 groups were not associated with an increased risk of ED (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.74–1.75; P for trend = 0.481). Furthermore, the association between urinary 2,4-D level and ED was not significant in the subgroup analysis stratified by age, BMI, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that there was no association between 2,4-D exposure and ED. Further studies are warranted to corroborate our results.