Sexual Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common medical problem. Among its sequelae, erectile dysfunction (ED) has been reported. The aim of this study aim was to clarify the association between OSAS and ED.

Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 34 OSAS patients and 13 control patients with simple snoring. Demographics, body mass index (BMI), polysomnography parameters, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, and sexual function situation were noted. All patients underwent urologic examination. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF5) was performed to males, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was performed to females in order to evaluated sexual functions. Patients were grouped as the control group whose apnea-hypopnea index was below 5, and as the study group with respiratory disturbance index RDI= 5. The data were statistically analyzed by using Kruskal Wallis Variance Analysis, Mann Whitney U Test with Bonferroni Correction, Independent Samples t Test and Mann Whitney U Test.

Results: ED was found in 24 (70.6%) of 34 patients on the basis of their symptoms. Most of the patients with ED (40%) had severe OSAS. There was a statistically significant relation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and ED (p=0.007). We found ED in 24 patients according to the IIEF-5 score. There was a statistically significant difference in the minimum O2 saturation f. indings between the OSAS patients with and without ED (p=0.044). Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) and ESS were higher in the patients with severe ED in comparison to the patients without ED, but the difference wasn't statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Sexual functions have been found to be affected in patients with OSAS. Additional studies are needed to ascertain the mechanism of ED in OSAS and the treatment of ED in this group of patients.