Erectile dysfunction and associated factors in males with psoriasis: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Urology
• Public Health

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to various comorbidities, including erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Limited data exists on sexual health among male psoriasis patients in Vietnam.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) significantly impacts quality of life and may indicate underlying health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and severity of ED in male psoriasis patients in Vietnam.
• To compare ED rates in psoriasis patients versus healthy controls.
• To identify clinical characteristics of psoriasis associated with ED.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 135 male psoriasis patients and 166 healthy controls (aged ≥18, sexually active).
• The 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire assessed ED risk and severity.
• Statistical analysis explored associations between ED and clinical factors like age, obesity, PASI, DLQI, and genital lesions.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of ED (80.7%) than controls (67.5%, p=0.01).
• Psoriasis patients had an increased risk of moderate-to-severe ED.
• ED was associated with age, obesity, age of psoriasis onset, DLQI, PASI, and genital lesions. Advanced age and higher PASI scores were independent risk factors for ED.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis is identified as a significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men.
• ED in male psoriasis patients warrants clinical attention and may signal increased cardiovascular risk.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking psoriasis, ED, and cardiovascular health.