Authors

Raj Satkunasivam, M.D., Michael Ordon, M.D., Brian Hu, M.D., Brendan Mullen, M.D., Kirk Lo, M.D., Ethan Grober, M.D., Keith Jarvi, M.D.

Volume 101, Issue 6, Pages 1594–1598

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate whether hormonal markers predict erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of T deficiency syndrome (TDS), which are commonly found in the population of infertile men.

Design:

Retrospective study utilizing a prospectively maintained infertility database.

Setting:

A tertiary referral center.

Patient(s):

A total of 1,750 of 2,783 men presenting for evaluation of infertility between 1995 and 2010 completed validated questionnaires.

Intervention(s):

Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men questionnaires were administered. Baseline risk factors for ED and TDS were also measured. Subjects underwent serum hormone evaluation for total T, calculated bioavailable T, sex hormone–binding globulin, E2, LH, FSH, and PRL.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine the significance of hormonal markers in predicting ED (Sexual Health Inventory for Men score <22) and/or a positive ADAM score. Result(s):

The prevalence of ED and a positive response to the ADAM questionnaire were 30.5% and 45.2%, respectively, in this population (mean age, 36 years). Low serum T (total T < 10 nmol/L) was found in 29.4%. Neither T nor bioavailable T was significantly associated with the symptoms of ED or TDS on multivariable regression analysis. Conclusion(s):

Erectile dysfunction and TDS in young, infertile men seem to be unrelated to hormone changes.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)00197-6/fulltext