Factors Affecting Self-Reported Sexuality in Men with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is known to induce erectile dysfunction and to reduce overall sexual satisfaction in affected men. Data on the effects of disease severity and other contributing factors such as the age of the patient are missing. Aim To compare self-reported sexuality in men with newly diagnosed sleep apnea with a group of disease-free men, and to evaluate the impact of disease severity and age on the response pattern. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported erectile function, desire, and frequencies for petting, tenderness, masturbation, sexual intercourse, and overall satisfaction with sexuality over a recall period of 3 months. Methods A prospective survey in men admitted to a multidisciplinary sleep center using a standardized validated German questionnaire. Results One hundred-sixteen men 51.1 ± 11.4 years (mean ± standard deviation) with OSAS (OSAS+) and 42 men age 46.6 ± 13.7 years without OSAS (OSAS−) completed the survey. OSAS+ men were older (P = 0.01) and more often divorced (P = 0.048). OSAS was significantly associated with erection problems (P = 0.024) and decreased overall sexual satisfaction (P = 0.04). In contrast disease severity did affect masturbation frequency only (P = 0.02), whereas patient age affected erection (P = 0.001), and the desire for tenderness (P = 0.02) and intercourse (P = 0.0003). Conclusion Patient age might be a more important factor affecting sexuality in men with sleep apnea than the disease severity. Future studies assessing sexuality in men with OSAS should include age as an additional variable.

Determinants of sexual dysfunction and interventions for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review

“…The prevalence of ED is varied, and has been reported as 40.9% , 66.1% or as significantly greater in men with OSA . Sexual satisfaction was significantly worse with OSA as reported in two studies but non‐significant when comparing apnoea to non‐apnoea groups in another study . Petersen et al reported that sexual function scores were worse in OSA in the areas of sexual drive, ejaculation, sexual problems and sexual satisfaction .…”

“…Petersen et al reported that sexual function scores were worse in OSA in the areas of sexual drive, ejaculation, sexual problems and sexual satisfaction . Some descriptive studies examined scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and severity of OSA (AHI), finding significantly greater negative effects on erectile function, intercourse satisfaction and IIEF total score , while Stannek et al reported that disease severity did not significantly affect erectile function, desired sexual frequency, sexual desire or frequency of petting, although the frequency of masturbation did significantly decline with worsened OSA . The use of CPAP by those with moderate to severe ED improved overall sexual function, sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, including improvements in those with SaO 2 ≤ 93% prior to CPAP .…”

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea and its treatment over the erectile function: a systematic review

“…and further detailed by Schmidt and Wise in 1981 19. Since then, higher prevalences of ED in the OSA groups have been published in numerous studies,202122232425 depending on the diagnostic tool used. The prevalence of ED is as high as 69%,262728 with poorer sexual function in OSA patients compared with control patients matched for comorbidities and age 2325293031.…”

Hormonal profile, the PROGINS polymorphism, and erectile dysfunction complaints: data from a population-based survey

“…This sleep impairment may result from various common sleep disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Of note, OSA syndrome is known to be associated to erectile dysfunction (ED) and to reduce overall sexual satisfaction in affected men (12). Our recent study demonstrated that ED complaints were relatively common phenomena in a sample population, varying from 7.3% to 63.25% (13).…”