Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and erectile dysfunction: An underdiagnosed link? A prospective
Elena Cantone1,2, Matteo Massanova3, Felice Crocetto4
1Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry - ENT Section, University "Federico II", AOU "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of erectile dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We enrolled 133 male patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea. Ear, nose and throat evaluation, laboratory tests, body mass index, Epworth sleepiness scale, 5-international index of erectile function, overnight ambulatory polygraphy and drug-induced sleep endoscopy patterns were assessed. Eighty patients reported obstructive sleep apnoea. 60% (n = 48) reported erectile dysfunction. Statistically significant correlations were found between 5-International Index of Erectile Function and age, hypertension, diabetes, Epworth sleepiness scale, apnoea-hypopnea index score, O2 saturation-nadir, and oxygen desaturation index. Age, diabetes and O2 saturation-nadir were independent predictors of erectile function. Epworth sleepiness scale, apnoea-hypopnea index score, O2 saturation-nadir, oxygen desaturation index and albumin were higher compared to patients without erectile dysfunction. No statistically significant differences were reported for drug-induced sleep endoscopy patterns and erectile dysfunction. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea were at significant risk of having erectile dysfunction. Males with obstructive sleep apnoea should be investigated for erectile dysfunction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History

