Pattern of endocrinal changes in patients with sexual dysfunction

Introduction. Many patients with endocrinal changes (endocrinopathy) have some degrees of sexual dysfunction that necessitate assessment and treatment. Aim. To assess the prevalence, and identify the pattern, of endocrinopathy in patients with sexual dysfunction in our community. Methods. A total of 1,248 male patients with sexual dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual desire by the erectile function and the sexual desire domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IEEF). Patients underwent routine laboratory investigations as well as total testosterone and prolactin assessment. All patients were referred to an endocrinologist for clinical and biochemical assessment of their endocrine function. The evaluation consisted of comprehensive history taking, physical examination, and, as needed, laboratory investigations. Results. Mean ages +/- SD were 51.9 +/- 12.2 and 52.3 +/- 11.7 years for patients with and without endocrinopathy, respectively. Of the study population, 23.8 % had endocrinopathy. The most frequent endocrinal changes were low testosterone level (15%), hyperprolactinernia (13.7%), and hypothyroidism (3.1%). There were significant associations between endocrinopathy and obesity, smoking, low desire, and premature ejaculation (P < 0.05 for each). Also, significant associations were found between low desire and low testosterone level, hyperprolactinernia, and hypothyroidisin (P < 0.05 for each). Hyperprolactinemia was significantly associated with premature ejaculation (P < 0.05) but not with low testosterone level (P > 0.05). There was no significant association between endocrinopathy and age, cigarette smoking (number and duration), and ED (duration, severity, type of onset, and progression) (P > 0.05 for each). Conclusion. Endocrinopathy is not a rare condition among ambulatory patients with sexual dysfunction. This study provides a quantitative estimate of endocrinopathy in ambulatory patients with sexual dysfunction.