Erectile dysfunction prevalence and sexual function status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose: We determined sexual status and erectile dysfunction (ED) in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and Methods: Between October 2002 and June 2003 a total of 60 successive outpatients with COPD enrolled in the study with written informed consent. Patients completed International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Duke Activity Status Index questionnaires. They also underwent physical examination including urogenital examination and pulmonary assessment with spirometry, 6-minute walk test and arterial blood sample. COPD severity was determined according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. Results: After exclusion criteria 53 patients were assessed for statistical analysis. Mean patient age was 63.4 +/- 7.3 years. COPD severity in these patients was mild in 13.2%, moderate in 34%, severe in 49.1% and very severe in 3.8%. Nearly half of the patients (49%) had no comorbid disease for ED and the most common comorbid disease was hypertension (34%). According to the erectile function domain of IIEF 75.5% of patients were found to have ED with varying degrees (severe 28.3%, moderate 11.3%, mild to moderate 15.1% and mild 20.8%). Mean scores of all IIEF domains except sexual desire decreased with the increasing disease severity. A correlation was determined between severity and physical restrictions of COPD, and ED severity. Conclusions: The limitation of physical activity due to COPD also diminishes the sexual function of patients. This point must be kept in mind in the evaluation of patients with COPD.