The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Erectile function and Serum Testosterone Level Among Males: An Observational, Analytical Study

Background:Recurrent episodes of breathing difficulties while asleep are the hallmark of sleep apnea. Sleep-related reductions (hypopneas) or cessations (apneas) in breathing are the hallmarks of this condition. Objectives: this research was conducted to evaluate erectile dysfunction and testosterone level in cases diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical Comorbidities, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), patients' body mass index (BMI),and their relation to OSAS severity. Methods: analytical observational cross-sectional research done on individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea admitted to our tertiary care hospital during the research period. Result: The current study revealed there was a significant difference across all groups in ESS, AHI, and ODI, with severe OSA patients showing notably higher indices contrasted with control and mild OSA groups. Also, there were significant variations in IIEF-5 and EHS scores across all groups, with severe OSA patients exhibiting notably lower erectile function and erection hardness compared to control (p <0.001). Mild OSA also showed a moderate impact on these indicators, with significant differences from severe OSA in EHS (p = 0.038). Diabetes Mellitus was more prevalent in mild OSA contrasted with control and moderate OSA groups (p < 0.001). Cerebrovascular accidents were also significantly higher in severe OSA in contrast to control (p=0.039). Conclusions: The results of this research pointed to the significant impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on erectile dysfunction (ED) and hormonal profiles, particularly testosterone levels.