At 12 weeks, the mean LDL cholesterol of the treatment group decreased by 43%, from a baseline average of 135 mg/dL to 78 mg/dL (P=.012). The placebo group had no significant change.

By six weeks, however, the mean erectile dysfunction score of the treatment group increased by nearly eight points on a 30-point scale, from 10 points (in the range of moderate to severe dysfunction) to 18 points (in the range of mild dysfunction; P=.036). There was no significant increase in the placebo group.

In addition, all eight men in the treatment group reported an improvement in confidence to get and keep an erection, compared with one patient in the placebo group (P=.02).

However, there was no correlation between the degree of LDL lowering and improvement of erectile dysfunction score, the investigators said.

"The frequent coexistence of erectile dysfunction with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular risk factors may prompt further investigation of the lipid status in some patients with erectile dysfunction," the authors said.

"Our study does not provide sufficient rationale for prescribing atorvastatin to patients with erectile dysfunction who do not have dyslipidemia, but it suggests that atherosclerotic risk factor modification could favorably improve erectile dysfunction in patients with or without hyperlipidemia," they added. "Our study strengthens this hypothesis and deserves further testing in a large clinical trial."