Metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Aim. To study aspects of erectile dysfunction (ED) pathogenesis in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its diagnosis. Material and methods. Epidemiology of ED in MS patients was studied by determination of MS prevalence among patients with organic ED (MS diagnosis according to NCEP/ATP III criteria), questionnaire assessment of erectile function in MS patients observed by the cardiologist or therapist. ED patients with MS (n = 385) entered the study group. Patients with organic ED free of MS (n = 210) entered the control group. A complex andrologic examination was made to analyse vascular, neurological and hormonal disorders. Results. About 46.4% patients with organic ED had clinical symptoms of MS while 57.02% patients with MS had ED. In the study group ED arose earlier than in the controls (43.46 ± 9.87 and 50.38 ± 13.35 years, respectively; p < 0.05) and stood longer (6.36 ± 4.13 and 3.55 ± 3.27 years; p < 0.05). From the study group half of the patients had severe ED. Among the controls cases of severe ED were 2 times less frequent. ED in MS was primarily of arteriogenic nature. Blood androgens levels were subnormal in 36.36% patients, neurogenic disorders occurred in 42.2% cases. Endothelial dysfunction was a leading pathogenetic mechanism of ED development in MS. Conclusion. MS patients often have ED. The presence of MS entails a severe course and earlier onset of ED.