Sexual dysfunction and related factors in adult males with familial Mediterranean fever

Sexual dysfunction is increasingly recognized in inflammatory diseases, yet data in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) are limited. This study aimed to determine the ratio of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males with FMF and to identify demographic, clinical, and psychological correlates of sexual function. In this cross-sectional study, 50 adult males with FMF fulfilling Tel-Hashomer criteria were evaluated during attack-free periods. Sexual function was measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), emotional status with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and quality of life with the Familial Mediterranean Fever Quality of Life Questionnaire (FMF-QoL). Groups with and without ED (IIEF-Erectile Function Score ≤ 26) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations between IIEF domains and clinical or psychological variables were analyzed using Spearman coefficients. ED was present in 56% of the participants. Depression was higher in the ED group (7.5 [5.0-9.25] vs. 5.0 [2.5-7.0], p = 0.03). Age correlated positively with orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and total IIEF (p < 0.05). Anxiety and depression correlated negatively with erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and total IIEF scores (p < 0.05). FMF-QoL correlated negatively with orgasmic function, desire, overall satisfaction, and total IIEF (p < 0.05). ED is common in adult males with FMF and is more closely related to psychological factors than to clinical disease variables. Incorporating routine screening for emotional distress and sexual health may support more comprehensive FMF management.