Impact of the Environment on Male Sexual Health

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition with multiple risk factors. There is a growing body of evidence that endocrine disruptors in the environment can impact sexual health. Endocrine disruptors can be both natural and synthetic compounds. We will review the pertinent literature on phytoestrogens, heavy metals, bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyl, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), passive smoking, and drinking water contaminants. While animal studies support estrogenic effects of these compounds that can lead to reproductive and sexual dysfunction, the association in human studies remains weak. Thus, further research in this area is needed and safe levels of endocrine disruptors in the environment must be established. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.