Sex Med Rev. 2026 Jun 30;14(3):qeag046. doi: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeag046.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are key underlying mechanisms that contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED), a common and often underdiagnosed condition among men with hypertension. Furthermore, certain classes of antihypertensive medications may adversely affect erectile function, adding to the burden of the disease. While the link between hypertension and ED is well-established globally, the epidemiology of this comorbidity in the African context is less clearly defined. Although several individual studies have investigated the prevalence of ED among hypertensive men within specific African countries, there is currently no continent-wide pooled estimate to inform regional healthcare policy and clinical practice. This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of ED and its associated factors among hypertensive men in Africa.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, HINARI/Research4Life, and Google Scholar to find relevant studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using a prepared standard Microsoft Excel 19 form and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. STATA version 17 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and Cochran’s Q test. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s test statistics. Moreover, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were also performed.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 3648 male hypertensive patients from three African regions were included. The pooled prevalence of ED was 65.05% (95% CI: 54.23-75.87), with substantial heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 98.39%). The prevalence varied by African region, country, assessment tool, sampling method, and study population, with the highest estimates observed in Central Africa, in studies using the SHIM and those employing convenience sampling. A higher prevalence was also reported among hypertensive men with comorbidity. Older age was significantly associated with ED, with higher odds among men aged 61-80 years (OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.04-6.71) and those aged >80 years (OR = 5.34, 95% CI: 3.51-8.13). Additional significant factors included stage II hypertension (OR = 3.81, 95% CI: 2.25-6.44), hypertension duration >10 years (OR = 4.20, 95% CI: 1.83-9.62), antihypertensive polytherapy (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.93-4.26), comorbid conditions (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.16-5.79), and depression (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.72-4.14).
CONCLUSION: In Africa, ED is highly prevalent in men with hypertension. Comorbid conditions, depression, antihypertensive polytherapy, advanced age, Stage II hypertension, and hypertension that has been present for more than 10 years are important factors linked to ED. Routine screening and integrated management strategies should be incorporated into hypertension care. In addition, further population-based studies using standardized methodologies are necessary to refine prevalence estimates and guide public health interventions.
PMID:42447425 | DOI:10.1093/sxmrev/qeag046
