Erectile dysfunction in successfully treated lymphoma patients

Information on male potency in lymphoma survivors is insufficient. In this study, we assessed male sexual function and serum gonadotropins in successfully treated lymphoma patients.

Fifty-nine patients treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) or non-HL (NHL) with chemotherapy +/- radiotherapy were included in the study.

The mean age (+/-standard deviation) of the patients was 40.2 +/- 11.0 (range, 18-55 years). Thirty-eight (64.4%) had HL and 21 (35.6%) NHL. According to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, 61.0% had some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED; IIEF score < 26): 33.9% had mild ED (IIEF score 17-25), 15.2% moderate ED (IIEF score 11-16), and 11.9% severe ED (IIEF score 6-10). Age distribution was similar in patients with ED and those with normal erectile function. Presence of ED and its grade were not different between HL and NHL patients. Nine (18.4%) of 49 patients had an elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, 7 (14.2%) had elevated luteinizing hormone, and 3 (6.1%) had decreased testosterone levels. These hormonal abnormalities did not affect the presence of ED and its severity.

Overall, 61.0% of men in our study had ED according to IIEF. Clinicians should be aware of this problem in lymphoma survivors and offer these patients adequate treatment options.