Plasma testosterone in male patients with sexual dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Urology
• Andrology

Background:

• Sexual dysfunction, including sexual disinterest and erectile disturbances, affects men aged 36-55.
• Plasma testosterone is a key male sex hormone influencing sexual function.
• Understanding the relationship between testosterone levels and sexual health is crucial for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between plasma testosterone levels and sexual function in men aged 36-55.
• To compare testosterone levels and sexual activity in men with functional sexual disorders versus those with pathological somatosexual findings.

Main Methods:

• Plasma testosterone was measured using the protein-binding method.
• Study included 45 married patients with sexual disinterest and/or erectile disturbances.
• A control group of 108 normospermic men with adequate coital activity was used for comparison.

Main Results:

• Average plasma testosterone values were lower in all age subgroups of patients with functional sexual disorders compared to the control group.
• Patients with pathological somatosexual findings (e.g., chromatin-positive men, varicocele) had similar plasma testosterone levels to those with functional sexual disorders.
• Despite similar testosterone levels, patients with pathological somatosexual findings exhibited coital activity comparable to the normospermic control group.

Conclusions:

• Lower plasma testosterone levels are associated with functional sexual disorders in men aged 36-55.
• Pathological somatosexual findings may influence sexual activity independently of plasma testosterone levels.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between hormonal status, physical conditions, and sexual function in men.