A systematic review found a strong association between sarcopenia (or its components) and sexual dysfunctions, particularly erectile dysfunction, though significant heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and limited studies in women lead to non-conclusive results.
Only seven studies met eligibility criteria out of 943 identified articles on sarcopenia and sexual health.
The majority of included studies reported a strong association between sarcopenia or its components and sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction.
Significant heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia across included studies limited the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Research on the relationship between sarcopenia and sexual health in women is critically lacking.
The review concluded that further longitudinal studies with larger, standardised cohorts are needed to clarify mechanisms and establish causal relationships.
Sarcopenic obesity may compound the negative impact on sexual health through metabolic and hormonal dysfunctions.
This research suggests that sarcopenia — a condition involving loss of muscle mass and strength, often seen in older adults — may negatively affect sexual health, particularly in men. Researchers conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature, screening 943 articles and finding only 7 that specifically examined this relationship and met quality standards. The studies that did qualify mostly found that men with sarcopenia, or with measurable declines in muscle mass or strength, were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. When sarcopenia occurs alongside obesity (called sarcopenic obesity), the effects may be even worse due to added hormonal and metabolic problems. Despite the apparent connection, the researchers caution that the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions. The studies used different methods to diagnose sarcopenia, making it hard to compare results across studies. Almost all research was conducted in older men, leaving women virtually unstudied in this context — only one included study went beyond a male-only population. Most studies were also cross-sectional, meaning they captured data at a single point in time and cannot prove that sarcopenia directly causes sexual dysfunction. This research suggests that sexual health should be considered as part of the broader health consequences of sarcopenia, and that this is a significantly understudied area — especially for women. The authors call for larger, longer-term studies using standardized diagnostic criteria to better understand how and why muscle loss may affect sexual function, and to develop effective treatments. This review is notable for drawing attention to a topic that has received very little scientific discussion to date.
Defeudis G, Mazzilli R, Di Vincenzo O, Minnetti M, Poggiogalle E, Gianfrilli D, et al.. (2025). Sarcopenia and Its Impact on Sexual Health: A Systematic Review.. Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.70067