Factors associated with erectile dysfunction diagnosis in men with HIV infection: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Urology
• Public Health

Background:

• HIV infection is linked to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Factors contributing to ED in men living with HIV are not fully understood.
• The US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS) provides a valuable cohort for investigating this association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of ED among men living with HIV.
• To identify factors associated with ED diagnosis in this population.
• To inform clinical management and public health strategies for HIV-infected men.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study design was employed using data from the NHS.
• Men diagnosed with ED after their HIV diagnosis were identified as cases.
• Controls without ED were matched 2:1 to cases based on age at HIV diagnosis and follow-up duration. Multivariate logistic regression was used for analysis.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of ED was 9.6% (543 out of 5682 men).
• Delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (over 4 years), protease inhibitor use (over 1 year), and sleep apnea were significantly associated with increased odds of ED.
• Comorbidities such as depression and tobacco use were also more common in men with ED.

Conclusions:

• Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition in men living with HIV.
• Both HIV-related factors (e.g., delayed ART) and traditional risk factors (e.g., sleep apnea) contribute to ED.
• Further research and targeted interventions are needed to address ED in this population.