science

Long-term computer use for leisure was found to be associated with lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone in men

Spending a lot of time on the computer may be linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction in men, researchers have said.

A study of more than 200,000 men indicates that for every additional 1.2 hours spent using a computer, the chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction increased by 3.57 times.

The analysis, published in Andrology, also suggests these men showed a stronger genetic tendency for leisure computer use.

Long-term computer use for leisure was found to be associated with lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone in men, which stimulates the production of sperm.

However, the researchers said there was no evidence to suggest that other sitting activities such as watching television or driving for leisure increased the risk of erectile dysfunction.

They said further research is needed to understand the association between computer use and erectile dysfunction risk.