Erectile dysfunction in patients with COPD. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Urology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common concern, yet its prevalence and associated factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain understudied.
• Existing research on sexual dysfunction in COPD patients presents conflicting findings, necessitating a comprehensive analysis.

Approach:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library) up to January 31, 2021.
• The prevalence of ED was determined using a weighted mean from included studies, and a meta-analysis evaluated the association between COPD and ED.

Key Points:

• Fifteen studies were included, revealing a weighted prevalence of ED at 74.6% among COPD patients.
• Meta-analysis of four studies (519 individuals) demonstrated a significant association between COPD and ED (OR 2.89, p<0.001).
• Factors such as older age, smoking history, severity of airway obstruction, and lower oxygen saturation were linked to increased ED prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Erectile dysfunction is a common comorbidity in patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The prevalence of ED in the COPD population significantly exceeds that of the general population, highlighting a critical unmet health need.