Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
The impact of post-earthquake anxiety and depression on erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional study after the
Muhammet Serdar Bugday1, Ender Akdemir1, Kerim Ugur2
1Department of Urology, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkiye.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Turkiye on anxiety and depression levels and their impact on erectile dysfunction (ED).
Methods:
A total of 164 men aged 25-55 were enrolled between July 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025. Ninety-seven patients who presented with ED after the earthquakes were included as the study group, and 67 healthy individuals without ED were enrolled as controls. All participants completed the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA.
Results:
There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age and marital status. Patients with ED had significantly higher ASEX, HAM-A, and HAM-D scores and significantly lower WHOQOL-BREF scores compared to controls (p=0.001). Among ED patients, 52 (53.6%) had severe ED, 40 (41.2%) had moderate, and 5 (5.2%) had mild symptoms. ASEX scores were significantly higher (p=0.01), and WHOQOL-BREF general health scores were significantly lower in patients with severe ED compared to those with milder forms (p=0.001).
Conclusion:
The February 6 earthquakes were associated with increased anxiety and depression and decreased quality of life in men, which significantly contributed to the prevalence and severity of ED. These findings highlight the importance of addressing sexual health as part of post-disaster psychosocial support.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
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. Symptoms...
Benefits of Self-Esteem
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Electroconvulsive Therapy