Q. I am a 66-year-old retired physician who has taken simvastatin for the past two years. During this time I noted a gradual decline in my erectile function.
My physician did not believe that simvastatin was the cause. After reading in The People’s Pharmacy and elsewhere of a possible connection, I took myself off the drug.
Within three weeks I had complete resolution of my problem. In addition, I have far fewer episodes of heartburn and musculoskeletal pain. In the gym, my strength and endurance have improved dramatically.
A. There is surprisingly little research on this topic. Although the official prescribing information for simvastatin (Zocor) mentions erectile dysfunction, many physicians have not heard about this link.
A study from France suggested that statins may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction (Drug Safety, July, 2009). Italian researchers have reported that statins may reduce testosterone levels (Journal of Sexual Medicine, April, 2010). This might explain your experience.
