Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction: pathophysiological observations and therapeutic outcomes

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among the male populations who seeking medical care for infertility, pregnancy loss and preconception care: a cross-sectional study

The link between sexual dysfunction and male infertility has been well established. In addition to male infertility, male patients with couple pregnancy loss and preconception care are the most frequent reasons for the treatment of andrology outpatients. However, there is a paucity of information simultaneously investigating male sexual dysfunction in these males with different reproduction situations. A cross-sectional study was performed in consecutive series of 1256 participants, including 509 men with infertility, 437 couples with pregnancy loss, and 310 men for preconception care. All men completed a questionnaire on baseline demographic information, sexual behavior characteristics and validated research tools, including Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and International Index of Erectile Function. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation was 30.6%, 20.8% in the infertility population and 27.0%, 18.5% in pregnancy loss individuals, was much lower in preconception care men, at 9.3%, 11.9% (p < 0.05), respectively. Infertility and pregnancy loss couples were more biased toward choosing timed intercourse than preconception care couples, with rates of 19.6% in Infertility group and 17.4% in pregnancy loss groups, versus 10.0% (p < 0.05) in preconception care couples. The infertile and pregnancy loss men also reported higher rate of anxiety state than the preconception care group. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increased gradually with the duration of infertility and the frequency of pregnancy loss, with a highest odds ratio of 7.346 (95% CI:4.329–12.467; P < 0.001) among men with ≥5 years of infertility, 6.282 (95% CI:3.446–11.453; P < 0.001) among couples ≥3 pregnancy loss when compared with preconception care group. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and timed intercourse were comparable in pregnancy loss and infertile males, were all noticeably higher than preconception care group. There was also a trend toward a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction with longer duration of infertility or the more frequent of pregnancy loss.

A Pilot Study on Tamoxifen Sexual Side Effects and Hand Preference in Male Breast Cancer

Recent clinical and imaging studies suggest that sex hormones modulate sexuality according to a psychophysiologic process of lateralization of the brain, with androgens playing a greater role in sexual functioning of left hemibrain/right handedness and estrogens possibly for right hemibrain/left handedness. Based on this perspective, the current study attempted to specify the relationship between hand preference, estrogens, and sexual function in subjects with male breast cancer, taking into account the sexual side effects of tamoxifen as the agent for inhibiting estrogen action. Twenty-eight Romanian men-17 right-handed and 11 left-handed-undergoing treatment with tamoxifen for male breast cancer participated in this study. These men were assessed both prior to and during tamoxifen treatment using the International Index of Erectile Function, a standardized instrument used for the evaluation of various aspects of sexual functioning, including erectile function (EF), orgasmic function (OF), sexual desire (SD), and overall functioning (OF). A main effect for handedness was found on EF, OF, SD, and OS scales, with right-handed men showing higher functioning than left-handed men. Regarding interaction effects, the left-handed group of men showed greater decreased sexual functioning during tamoxifen (on three subscales: OF, SD, OS) compared to right-handed men. Further research should be conducted in order to support and refine this potential lateralized process of sexual neuromodulation within the brain.

Possible Association between Erectile Dysfunction and Osteoporosis in Men

Sexual dysfunction in general and erectile dysfunction (ED) in particular significantly affect men’s quality of life. Some patients who have ED, also develop osteoporosis. So, in this study we investigated the relationship between erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis in men. 95 men with erectile dysfunction and 82 men with normal sexual function were included in the study. The men’s sexual functions were evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function-5 items (IIEF-5). All men received a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA; Hologic) scan to measure bone mineral density (BMD) for osteoporosis. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Mean age was 53.5 (38–69) in ED group and 50.1 (31–69) in control group. In ED group the men have lower T score levels than those of the control group. In conclusion, the men who have erectile dysfunction were at more risk for osteoporosis. The results of the present study demonstrate that the men with erectile dysfunction have low bone mineral density and they are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Because of easy and noninvasive evaluation of osteoporosis, patients with ED should be checked for bone mineral density and osteoporotic male subjects should be evaluated for ED.

Current state of practice regarding testosterone supplementation therapy in men with prostate cancer

Hypogonadal men are characterized by low serum testosterone and symptoms of low energy, decreased libido, and muscle mass as well as impaired concentration and sexual functioning. Men with prostate cancer (PCa) currently on active surveillance or post-therapy, have traditionally been excluded from management paradigms given the decade-old concern that testosterone caused PCa growth. However, there appears to be little or no relationship between serum testosterone concentration and PCa. Androgen action in the prostate has long been known to be affected by the kinetics of receptor saturation and, as such, testosterone beyond a certain baseline is unable to stimulate prostatic growth due to complete intra-prostatic androgen receptor binding. Given this physiologic concept, many clinical investigators have begun to promote testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) as safe in men with PCa. This review examines the basics of testosterone physiology and summarizes the most recent findings on the use of TST in men with PCa on active surveillance and following treatment with external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy and radical prostatectomy.

Combined testosterone and vardenafil treatment for restoring erectile function in hypogonadal patients who failed to respond to testosterone therapy alone

INTRODUCTION

The role of testosterone in erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized. It is suggested that assessment of testosterone deficiency in men with ED and symptoms of hypogonadism, prior to first-line treatment, may be a useful tool for improving therapy.

AIM

In this prospective, observational, and longitudinal study, we investigated the effects of vardenafil treatment as adjunctive therapy to testosterone undecanoate in hypogonadal ED patients who failed to respond to testosterone treatment alone.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-nine testosterone deficient (serum total testosterone ≤ 3.4 ng/mL) patients aged 56 ± 3.9 years received intramuscular injections of long-acting parenteral testosterone undecanoate at 3-month intervals for 8 months mean follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Scores on the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire-five items (IIEF-5) and partner survey scores were compared at baseline and posttreatment with testosterone therapy alone or in combination with vardenafil. Patient baseline demographics and concomitant disease were correlated with patients' IIEF-5 scores.

RESULTS

Seventy one (58.2%) responded well to monotherapy within 3 months. Nonresponders had lower testosterone levels and higher rates of concomitant diseases and smoking. Thirty-four of the 51 nonresponders accepted the addition of 20 mg vardenafil on demand. Efficacy assessments were measured by the IIEF-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF, questions 1-5 plus 15, 30 points) and partner self-designed survey at baseline after 4-6 weeks and at study end point. Thirty out of 34 patients responded well to this combination. IIEF-EF Sexual Health Inventory for Men score improved from 12 to 24 (P < 0.0001), and partner survey showed significantly higher satisfaction (P < 0.001). These patients reported spontaneous or nocturnal and morning erections or tumescence. No changes in adverse effects were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that combination therapy of testosterone and vardenafil is safe and effective in treating hypogonadal ED patients who failed to respond to testosterone monotherapy.

Testosterone therapy in men

Androgens exert effects on virtually all bodily tissues, and have a multitude of physiological roles in health. Testosterone, the predominant androgen in men, when deficient (hypogonadism), leads to a multiplicity of symptoms and signs that are corrected with physiological substitution. The impact of hypogonadism depends on the age at which it occurs. In any case, when testosterone replacement is initiated close monitoring for efficacy and safety is advised. The relation of ageing, the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity and survival with plasma testosterone has been closely examined in recent studies. However, the effect of testosterone replacement therapy on the above clinical states needs to be clarified in large long-term duration/outcome studies. Recent research has shed light on possible molecular testosterone targets. Based on those research outcomes, drugs targeting the androgen receptor, which spare androgenic effects and preserve anabolic tissue effects, called selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS), are under clinical trials. The role of testosterone in regulating erectile function has been studied in animal models and critical tissue testosterone targets have been elucidated.

A clinical paradigm for the combined management of androgen insufficiency and erectile dysfunction

Androgen insufficiency and erectile dysfunction are highly prevalent medical disorders in aging men who have associated multiple risk factors. Good clinical practice requires the use of appropriate strategies for patient- and goal-directed diagnosis and treatment. This article focuses on a rational, evidence based clinical management paradigm that combines diagnosis and treatment of men who have androgen insufficiency and erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone and erectile function: from basic research to a new clinical paradigm for managing men with androgen insufficiency and erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

Androgens are essential for the development and growth of the penis, and they regulate erectile physiology by multiple mechanisms. Our goal is to provide a concise overview of the basic research and how this knowledge can be translated into a new clinical paradigm for patient management. In addition, this new paradigm may serve as a basis for stimulating constructive debate regarding the use of testosterone in men, and to promote new, innovative basic and clinical research to further understand the underlying mechanisms of androgen action in restoring erectile physiology.

METHODS

A literature review was performed utilizing the US National Library of Medicine's PubMed database.

RESULTS

On the basis of evidence derived from laboratory animal studies and clinical data, we postulate that androgen insufficiency disrupts cellular-signaling pathways and produces pathologic alterations in penile tissues, leading to erectile dysfunction. In this review, we discuss androgen-dependent cellular, molecular, and physiologic mechanisms modulating erectile function in the animal model, and the implication of this knowledge in testosterone use in the clinical setting to treat erectile dysfunction. The new clinical paradigm incorporates many of the consensed points of view discussed in traditional consensed algorithms exclusively designed for men with androgen insufficiency. There are, however, novel and innovative differences with this new clinical paradigm. This paradigm represents a fresh effort to provide mandatory and optional management strategies for men with both androgen insufficiency and erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The new clinical paradigm is evidence-based and represents one of the first attempts to address a logical management plan for men with concomitant hormonal and sexual health concerns.

Correlations of androgen deficiency with clinical symptoms in Taiwanese males

The purpose of this study was to elucidate correlations between different biochemical measurements of androgen deficiency and clinical symptoms in male residents of Taiwan. An investigation of the serum biochemical markers for androgen deficiency in 650 males, including total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone, was conducted. Measurements of clinical symptoms were obtained using a questionnaire of the androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM) by St Louis University (SLQ). Correlations among the biochemical markers, correlations of the biochemical markers and age, and relationships between the biochemical markers and the SLQ were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of the SLQ were determined. Bioavailable and calculated free testosterone correlated better with age than did total testosterone. Eighty percent of the men had a positive SLQ, and 20% had a negative SLQ. The percentage of positive SLQ results increased with age. No statistically significant difference was noted between the biochemical markers of bioavailable and calculated free testosterone levels and the SLQ status except for men aged over 70 years. The SLQ in this study showed an acceptable sensitivity of about 80%, but the specificity was poor (about 20%). In conclusion, bioavailable testosterone and calculated free testosterone were more-closely correlated with age and may be better biochemical markers for androgen deficiency. SLQ might not be a suitable single measurement for androgen deficiency and should be used together with biochemical markers.

THE IMPACT OF AGE, BODY MASS INDEX AND TESTOSTERONE ON ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

PURPOSE

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be associated with low serum total testosterone (T), low serum bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and high body mass index (BMI) in aging men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 675 workers (age range 45 to 60 years old) were entered into this study. Investigations were performed directly at their place of work. Exclusion criteria were abnormal urogenital status, antihypertensive drugs, medication possibly affecting the endocrine function and a history of previous pelvic trauma. T and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured with commercially available assays, and BAT was calculated from T and sex hormone-binding globulin. BMI was assessed and every individual completed a self-administrated questionnaire for erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5]).

RESULTS

T and BAT showed a significantly negative correlation with age and BMI. Each additional year of increase in age caused a decrease in the IIEF-5 score of 0.195 (p <0.001). Increase in BMI by 1 kg/m reduced IIEF-5 by 0.141, independent of age (p =0.005). Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed the influence of increased age and higher BMI on the risk of ED. The corresponding odds ratio for ED was 1.082 (p <0.001) and 1.076 (p <0.001), respectively. These data indicate an increase in ED risk by 8.2% per year and by 7.6% per kg/m BMI. Severe cases of ED (IIEF-5 score 7 or less) were significantly associated with a decrease in T and BAT. Individuals with low BAT (1 ng/ml or less) had a 3 times higher risk of severe ED compared with men with BAT greater than 1 ng/ml (odds ratio 3.045, 95% CI 1.088 to 8.522, p =0.034). The result of the multiple logistic regression analysis was adjusted to age and BMI, and did not show a significant influence on the incidence of severe ED.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI contributes strongly to ED. Low T or BAT are only relevant if IIEF-5 questionnaire results in severe ED.

DOES SILDENAFIL COMBINED WITH TESTOSTERONE GEL IMPROVE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN HYPOGONADAL MEN IN WHOM TESTOSTERONE SUPPLEMENT THERAPY ALONE FAILED?

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy of testosterone gel (T-gel) alone and in combination with sildenafil in hypogonadal patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 49 hypogonadal men (mean age 60.7 years) with ED participated for a mean of 20.2 months. Blood was tested for total and bioavailable testosterone, and prostate specific antigen. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and a global assessment question (GAQ). Men received 1% 5 gm T-gel for 6 months, and 100 mg sildenafil was added to those with a "no" response to the GAQ after 3 months on testosterone supplement.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients reported significant improvement in the sexual desire domain (from a mean +/- SD of 4.2 +/- 0.8 to 8.6 +/- 0.4) and erectile function (EF) domain (from 13.6 +/- 1.9 to 27 +/- 0.8) following treatment with testosterone supplement alone. One patient was excluded from study after urinary retention developed and 9 reported irritation at the gel application site. In spite of normalization of total and bioavailable testosterone values, and significant improvement of sexual desire domain scores, the EF of 17 men remained less than 26 or they responded "no" to the GAQ. These men received combined T-gel and sildenafil, after which all graded EF greater than 26 and responded positively to the GAQ.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined treatment with sildenafil and T-gel has a beneficial effect on ED in hypogonadal patients in whom treatment with testosterone supplement alone failed.