Association of METS-IR index with prevalence of erectile dysfunction in US adults: a cross-sectional study

Background Insulin resistance (IR) is involved in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between the metabolic score for IR (METS-IR) index and risk of erectile dysfunction in US adults. Methods This study selected individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and dose–response curve analysis were carried out to assess the relationship between the METS-IR index and ED prevalence. Results This study ultimately included 1759 participants aged ≥ 20 years, of whom 512 self-reported a history of ED. After adjusting for all confounders, each unit increase in METS-IR index was associated with a 3% increase in erectile dysfunction prevalence (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04). In almost all subgroups, an increased METS-IR index was associated with a higher prevalence of ED. The dose–response curve displayed a positive non-linear connection between METS-IR value and the prevalence of ED. Conclusion The study found a positive association between the METS-IR index and ED. METS-IR is useful as a simplified IR evaluation index for early identification of people with high risk of ED.