Can Annual Daylight Cycles and Seasons Have an Effect on Male Sexual Functions?

Abstract

Introduction Mammals' sexual functions exhibit seasonal variations that have been attributed to changes in the daylight. In this study, taking into consideration endocrine and psychogenic status, we aimed to investigate whether human males experience changes in erectile functions and sexual desire depending on daylight periods and seasons, and whether periodicity exists in human sexual behavior. Materials and methods International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and psychiatric scale scores of 221 male patients were evaluated. In addition, hormonal parameters of the patients were examined. These data were first evaluated in two groups (summer and winter) according to local daylight amounts the participants received. Then IIEF scores were also analyzed according to four conventional seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). Results There was no significant difference in laboratory data, psychiatric scale scores and IIEF evaluations between summer and winter groups. Moreover, no significant difference was found in terms of sexual desire and erectile functions in terms of four seasons (p > 0.05). Conclusion According to the results of this study, there is no periodicity in human sexual functions both in relation to daylight and four seasons.