Metformin is usually prescribed for diabetes treatment. However, there is a controversy that metformin is linked to the development of ED. This article aims at discussing whether there is any positive or negative connection between metformin and ED with substantial scientific evidence.
Articles featured on Noah are purely informational and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. To understand what works best for you, we recommending consulting a licensed doctor.
Learn More About Your HealthWhat Is Metformin?
Metformin is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works primarily by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medications globally.
Does Metformin Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
The relationship between Metformin and erectile dysfunction is complex and somewhat controversial. Some research suggests Metformin may actually improve erectile function by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Other studies have found that Metformin can slightly reduce testosterone levels, which could theoretically affect sexual function.
Importantly, the underlying condition being treated with Metformin — type 2 diabetes — is itself a significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves crucial for achieving erections. So any ED experienced by men taking Metformin is more likely due to the diabetes itself rather than the medication. A key study found that adding Metformin to sildenafil (Viagra) treatment resulted in significantly better erectile function compared to sildenafil alone, suggesting Metformin may actually be beneficial for ED in certain patients.
What Should You Do?
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your ED and determine the best treatment for you.
Reading about it is a good start.
Talking to a doctor is better. Answer a few questions online and a licensed Noah doctor will take it from there, privately.
Get started
Articles featured on Noah are purely informational and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. To understand what works best for you, we recommending consulting a licensed doctor.
Learn More About Your Health
Written by our Editorial Team
Last updated 27 Mar 2026
References
Knoblovits P, et al Metformin improves erectile function in nondiabetic patients with insulin resistance and erectile dysfunction. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94(6 suppl): Abstract P2-347 (Link)
Hu Y, Ding B, Shen Y, et al. Rapid changes in serum testosterone in men with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with intensive insulin and metformin. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(4):1059-1061. doi:10.2337/dc20-1558 (Link)
Al-Kuraishy,H.M.,Al-Gareeb,A.I.,(2016).Erectile Dysfunction and Low Sex Drive in Men with Type 2 DM: The Potential Role of Diabetic Pharmacotherapy, J Clin of Diagn Res. 10(12), FC21-FC26. https://www.doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2016/19971/8996 (Link)
Rey-Valzacchi GJ, Costanzo PR, Finger LA, et al. Addition of metformin to sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction in eugonadal nondiabetic men with insulin resistance. A prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study. J Androl. 2012;33(4):608-614. doi:10.2164/jandrol.111.013714 (Link)
Patel JP, Lee EH, Mena CI, Walker CN. Effects of metformin on endothelial health and erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(3):556-565. doi:10.21037/tau.2017.03.52 (Link)
Articles featured on Noah are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.
