Influence of Bariatric Surgery on Erectile Dysfunction-a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of various comorbidities including erectile dysfunction (ED). Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss and remission of weight-related diseases. The exact influence of bariatric treatment on ED is yet to be established; however, the number of papers on the subject is growing.

A systematic review with meta-analysis comparing erectile dysfunction before and after surgery was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines with a literature search performed in June 2022. Inclusion criteria involved (1) ED assessment using the International International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and (2) longitudinal study design. Secondary endpoints involved hormonal changes and specific fields of IIEF.

An initial search yielded 878 records. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis involving 508 patients. The quality of analyzed studies was moderate. Analysis showed significant differences in IIEF before and after surgery (Std. MD = 1.19, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.66, p<0.0001). Testosterone after surgery is higher by 156.32 pg/ml (95% CI 84.78 to 227.86, p<0.0001). There were differences in erectile function (MD:4.86, p < 0.0001), desire (MD: 1.21, p < 0.0001), intercourse satisfaction (MD: 2.16, p < 0.0001), and overall satisfaction (MD: 1.21, p = 0.003). There were no differences in terms of orgasms (MD: 0.65, p = 0.06).

There are differences in ED before and after bariatric surgery. Patients achieve 19% more in the IIEF questionnaire showing improvement. Further studies, including multivariate regression models on large cohorts, are required to determine whether the surgery is an independent factor in alleviating ED.