Association between Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Abnormalities in Semen Parameters and Sexual Function: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Andrology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition impacting reproductive-aged individuals.
• Existing research on HS and male infertility is limited, despite shared risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between HS and male reproductive health, including semen quality and erectile function.
• To compare reproductive parameters between HS patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 28 HS patients and 44 controls from April 2019 to April 2021.
• Evaluation included semen analysis, hormonal assays, testicular ultrasound, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15).
• HS patients were stratified by the presence and severity of gluteal and genital lesions.

Main Results:

• HS patients were younger and had higher smoking rates than controls.
• Significantly lower semen parameters were observed in HS patients with gluteal-genital lesions, especially with severe scrotal involvement.
• Erectile dysfunction affected 93% of HS patients.
• Spermatogenesis and sexual function may be impaired in young men with HS.

Conclusions:

• HS is associated with impaired spermatogenesis and sexual function in affected men.
• Multidisciplinary HS management should incorporate reproductive and sexual health evaluations.
• Consideration for semen cryopreservation and sexual dysfunction treatment is recommended for HS patients.