Periodontitis, erectile dysfunction, reproductive hormones, and semen quality: A systematic review

Abstract

Background There is increasing evidence that periodontitis may affect male sexual health (MSH) (erectile function, production of sex hormones, and semen quality). However, a limited number of clinical studies demonstrate the association between MSH and periodontitis. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between periodontitis and MSF. Materials and methods A comprehensive systematic review of the published literature in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from the earliest available online indexing year until October 2020 was performed, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Keywords related to periodontitis were combined with words describing MSH. Result A total of 19 studies were included and discussed in the systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 53 to 197,136 individuals, aged between 18 and 95 years (mean age, 41.2 years). Six studies did not report the age of the participants. Out of nine studies, eight found a significant association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and periodontitis. Only three studies evaluated the association between sex hormone levels and periodontitis, and two of these studies showed that patients with periodontitis are expected to exhibit higher levels of testosterone. Finally, out of five studies, two demonstrated a significant association between semen quality and periodontitis. Discussion The findings in this review were limited by the quality and the few available studies. Results from the observational studies might have been affected by recall bias and confounded by cofactors. Conclusion The results of this systematic review revealed a significant association between periodontitis and ED, although the responsible mechanisms remain unclear. The potential associations between sex hormone levels, semen quality, and periodontitis are yet to be demonstrated. In order to improve patient management, dentists and physicians need to be aware of the association between male sexual health problems and periodontitis.

Higher Prevalence of the Periodontal Pathogen Selenomonas noxia among Pediatric and Adult Patients May Be Associated with Overweight and Obesity

“…Another significant finding from this study was the lack of association between the sex of each subject and the distribution of Selenomonas within the study samples. Many other studies have found significant differences between males and females with respect to the development and progression of periodontal disease and the prevalence of specific periodontal pathogens [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. The lack of sex-specific associations with this organism is consistent with other recent studies that have included both pediatric and adult patient populations, strongly suggesting that the traditional risk factors of sex and age may not be the most important factors to determine which patients harbor Selenomonas [ 24 , 25 ].…”

The Association between Hearing Loss and Periodontitis: Insights from the NHANES Database

“…Research has indicated associations between periodontitis and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and erectile dysfunction [21][22][23]. Among these, diabetes emerges as a high-risk factor for both hearing impairment and periodontitis.…”

Oral Biofilms and their Connection to Systemic Health

“…[121][122][123] TNF-α has been reported to play a key role in the induction of endothelial dysfunction. 124,125 Multiple studies have reported a reduction in TNF-α levels after successful periodontal treatment, and it is evident that significantly higher plasma levels of TNF-α were associated with moderate to severe ED owing to their known effects on the vasculature. 126,127 Management of oral biofilm and periodontal health can therefore have positive implications in the management of ED.…”