Potential utility of the fatty liver index as a predictor of erectile dysfunction and its severity

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Fatty Liver Index(FLI) and Erectile Dysfunction(ED) and its severity. Materials and methods A group of 230 male patients with ED complaints underwent evaluation. Comprehensive routine blood serum tests were conducted to identify potential etiological factors contributing to ED. Additionally, waist circumference(WC) measurements were obtained to facilitate the calculation of the FLI. Participants were also asked to complete the validated Turkish adaptation of the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire to assess the severity and impact of ED. Results Out of all participants, 55 were classified as non-ED, while 175 were diagnosed with ED, mostly in the mild to moderate category. According to FLI scores, 132 had hepatic steatosis(HS). Body mass index (BMI) and WC were significantly higher in the ED group. Fasting blood glucose, ALT, and triglycerides (TG) were elevated in those with ED, while AST and total testosterone levels were lower. A significant association was found between higher FLI scores and ED (p