The Association Between 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and Erectile Dysfunction

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.