Sexual dysfunction in men aged 40–60 years old in infertile couples

Abstract

This study aimed to determine sexual dysfunction (SD) and erectile disorder (ED) prevalence and analyze risk factors in older men of infertile couples. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on male partners in infertile couples who were aged between 40–60 years. The study took place at the Hue Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University Hospital, Viet Nam from January 2022 to August 2023. All participants were examinated and were privately asked to answer the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 questionaires vietnamese-language version to diagnose sexual dysfunction and erectile disorder. The study sample consisted of 81 qualified men. The prevalence of SD was 51.9% (N = 42), of which the rate of ED accounted for 46.9% (N = 38). Among the 42 cases of SD, 37 were mild cases (45.8%), 1 was moderate (1.2%) and 4 were severe (4.9%). In all five sexual domains, it was found that the severity of SD was associated with lower scores (p < 0.001). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was associated with severity of SD (p = 0.044). The decrease in scores of sexual desire and satisfaction could significantly affect sperm vitality and DNA fragmentation index. Age, number of living children and economic income were statistically correlated to SD domains (p < 0.05). Sexual dysfunction is a comprehensive disorder that affects each of the four phases of the sexual response cycle in older infertile men. It is a common disorder that could affect semen quality, leading to total sexual dysfunction and erectile disorder. Factors such as age, term births history, number of living children, geography and economic income are demography-sociology risk factors. Additionally, CVD with vascular endothelial damage mechanism has a statistically significant relationship with the severity of sexual dysfunction.

Keywords

• male sexual dysfunction
• erectile disorder
• older men
• infertility
• related factors