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Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1/2021

01-12-2021 | Erectile Dysfunction | Research

Prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction, psychological disorders, and sexual performance in primary vs. secondary infertility men

Authors: Jianxiong Ma, Yingying Zhang, Binghao Bao, Wangqiang Chen, Haisong Li, Bin Wang

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Many infertile couples might experience erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant changes in the quality of sexual life and psychological state though information is limited in secondary infertile men in China. To determine whether primary or secondary infertility is associated with ED, psychological disorders, and sexual performance.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (06/2019-01/2020). The participants completed a questionnaire including general information, sexual life, simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with ED, depression, and anxiety.

Results

ED was more frequent in secondary vs. primary infertility (46.5 % vs. 26.7 %, P < 0.001). Compared with men with primary infertility, those with secondary infertility showed lower IIEF-5 scores (P < 0.001), higher occurrence of TOIF (P = 0.001), had a higher awareness of partner’s ovulation when having ED (P = 0.001), lower GAD-7 scores (P = 0.016), lower libido (P = 0.005), fewer intercourses per month (P = 0.001) and a lower sexual satisfaction score (P = 0.027). In the multivariate analysis, primary infertility was found to be an independent risk factor of anxiety (OR: 1.812, 95 %CI: 1.015–3.236). Some overlap is observed in factors associated with ED, psychological disorders, and sexual performance between primary and secondary infertility, but some factors are distinct.

Conclusions

The prevalence of ED in secondary infertility men was higher than that of primary infertility men, and the quality of sexual life was decreased. Primary infertility is an independent risk factor of anxiety.
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Metadata
Title
Prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction, psychological disorders, and sexual performance in primary vs. secondary infertility men
Authors
Jianxiong Ma
Yingying Zhang
Binghao Bao
Wangqiang Chen
Haisong Li
Bin Wang
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-021-00720-5

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