[Erectile dysfunction and psychological status in infertile males]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Men's Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Male infertility affects a significant portion of the reproductive-aged population.
• Psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, is increasingly recognized in men with infertility.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common concern that can impact quality of life and relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and psychological factors in male patients experiencing infertility.
• To compare the prevalence of ED, depression, and anxiety in infertile men versus fertile controls.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study was conducted on 252 infertile male patients and 100 fertile male controls.
• Data collected included general information, semen analysis, sexual function (IIEF-5), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7) scores.
• Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to determine correlations and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Infertile men exhibited significantly higher rates of depression (20.4%) and anxiety (42.9%) compared to fertile controls.
• The incidence of ED was higher in infertile men (28.6%) than in fertile men (12.4%), with lower IIEF-5 scores and sexual satisfaction.
• Psychological distress (higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores) was strongly associated with ED in infertile patients.

Conclusions:

• Male infertility patients demonstrate poorer mental health and a higher prevalence of ED than fertile men.
• Psychological status and ED prevalence are interconnected in infertile men.
• Identifying and addressing psychological factors is crucial for managing ED in infertile populations.