Increased risk of erectile dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis: an Italian cross-sectional study

Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) are common, but often underestimated symptoms in men with multiple sclerosis (MS). The most common sexual complaint in a multiple sclerosis male is erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its relationship with neurological disability, depression, urodynamic findings and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in these patients.

From January 2014 to January 2016, there were 101 consecutive male patients with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis according to the McDonald revised criteria and stable sexual relationships were included. Patients were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male version (SQoL-M), International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Neurological impairment was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The presence of Detrusor Overactivity (DO), Detrusor Underactivity (DU) and Detrusor Sphincter Dyssynergia (DSD), was defined by International Continence Society (ICS) criteria.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) defined according to the erectile function (EF)-subdomain score ≤25 was present in 75 patients (74.25%). Univariate regression analysis showed that Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male version (P <0.0001), age (P = 0.021), Expanded Disability Status Scale score (P = 0.001), Beck Depression Inventory-IIscore (P = 0.001),International Prostate Symptom Score (P = 0.001), Detrusor Underactivity (P = 0.002), Multiple Sclerosis-Secondary Progressive (P = 0.002) was significantly associated with erectile dysfunction. All significant findings in univariate analysis were then entered into a multiple logistic regression model. The results indicated that the Beck Depression Inventory-II score (P = 0.011) and International Prostate Symptom Score (P = 0.043) were the only independent predictive factors of erectile dysfunction onset in these patients.

Hence, in order to provide an effective approach and management for erectile dysfunction all the mentioned symptoms and clinical variables should be kept in mind.