Sexual dysfunction in male patients with obesity: is it still being overlooked?

Introduction: Obesity has been linked to an elevated susceptibility to development of erectile dysfunction, yet the interplay between sex hormone levels, sexual function, and obesity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate sexual dysfunction among male patients with obesity and to emphasize the importance of recognizing the problem and pursuing solutions.

Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in the study (30 patients from the obesity center and 30 patients without obesity as the control group). Assessment of androgen hormone deficiency and erectile dysfunction was conducted through the implementation of AMS and IIEF-5 tests. The questionnaire includes aspects of medical history, demographic features, and lifestyle factors. Comprehensive measurements included BMI, WC, BP, lipid panel, total/free testosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, and HbA1C levels. Results were evaluated using SPSS.

Results: The AMS score in the obesity group was significantly lower compared to the group without obesity. The IIEF-5 score did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the groups. Testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, and HDL values were lower in the obesity group compared to the group without obesity.

Conclusion: Although conducted in a small sample, our findings strongly indicate a positive correlation between obesity and the risk of moderate to severe ED. Most of the time, this condition goes unarticulated, thereby adversely affecting the quality of life for individuals with obesity. Clinicians should pay more attention to patients experiencing sexual dysfunction, especially those with obesity.