Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction in Nonobese, Nondiabetic Men with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) has affected people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and multiple studies have confirmed this correlation.

The objective of the is to identify the association between ED and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in nonobese, nondiabetic men based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 143 nonobese, nondiabetic men with OSA (age, ≥20 years) who visited the Sleep Outpatient Clinic of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias from May 2017 to August 2018. Patient age, body mass index (BMI), drinking, smoking, laboratory diagnosis of hypogonadism based on total testosterone levels, and sleep parameters (e.g., apnea–hypopnea index, rapid eye movement density, and minimum Oxygen Saturation [SatO₂]) were considered. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate means. The chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare variables and Person’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze numerical variables.

The mean minimum SatO₂ was 78.89%, and 46% of patients exhibited minimum SatO₂ <80%. Moreover, minimum SatO₂ of <80% and increasing age were associated with ED complaints based on IIEF scores,. A laboratory diagnosis of hypogonadism was associated with increased BMI, and aging was associated with SatO₂.

The results of the study revealed that oxygen desaturation of <80% was related to complaints of ED from the IIEF. Moreover, a relationship between laboratory hypogonadism and increased BMI values, aging, and oxygen desaturation has been demonstrated. Therefore, we recommend polysomnography in patients with ED complaints.