Snoring as a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in community men

Severe obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with sexual dysfunction; however, it is unclear whether milder forms of sleep disturbances might also be associated with sexual problems.

To evaluate the association between snoring and five measures of sexual dysfunction in a population-based sample of men.

A stratified random sample of men residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota completed a questionnaire containing questions from the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI) and a sleep questionnaire.

Levels of sexual drive (libido), erectile function, ejaculatory function, sexual problem assessment, and sexual satisfaction as assessed by the BMSFI.

Of 827 men with a regular sexual partner, subjects were divided into categories of heavy (N = 95), moderate (N = 573), and none/mild (N = 159) snoring. Their median age was 64 years (range 51-90). The sexual satisfaction domain score was significantly lower in the heavy snoring group (P value = 0.01). The odds of low sexual satisfaction was 2.3 (95% CI 1.2, 4.1) among the heavy snorers compared with the none/mild snoring group. This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for smoking, medical comorbidities, and mental health status. However, there was no significant difference in ejaculatory function, erectile function, sexual drive, and sexual problem assessment across snoring categories.

These data provide evidence of an association between snoring severity and reduced sexual satisfaction in a population of elderly community males. Snoring was not associated with biologic measures of sexual dysfunction.