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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a possible effect of Finnish sauna bathing on erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and Methods:A population-based study was conducted using a mailed questionnaire sent to 5,537 men in 2019. The frequency of sauna bathing was grouped into three categories: once a month or less, once a week and two or more times per week. ED was assessed using the IIEF-5 questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised also items on sociodemographic, medical history; ED and treatment for ED. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results:The study cohort included 2,644 men (47.8% response proportion). Frequency of sauna bathing did not affect to IIEF-5 scores (the mean scores for different groups were all close to 20.5) nor to severity of ED. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for other risk factor showed no association between sauna bathing frequency and ED. Nevertheless, frequency of sexual intercourse was higher among men sauna bathing two or more times per week as mean monthly number of sexual intercourses was 3.5 compared with 2.8-2.5 in the other groups. Other factors than sauna bathing probably explain differences concerning intercourse amounts. There was no statistically significant difference in the use of medication for ED between sauna bathing groups. Conclusions:In our population-based study, sauna bathing does not have effect on ED, although more frequent sauna bathers had more sexual intercourses and had fewer risk factors for ED. Other factors than sauna bathing probably explain differences concerning intercourse amounts.