Changes in Sexual Functions and Effects on Partner Sexual Functions in Obese Men after Bariatric Surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bariatric surgery (BS) by evaluating preoperative and postoperative sexual functions in obese men undergoing BS. Materials and Methods: Male patients who underwent BS due to obesity between January 2013 and September 2021 were included in this observational study. Patients underwent standardized laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. For sexual function, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) inquiry form was filled in before, and one year after BS. In addition, the age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores of the female partners were recorded before and after the operation. Follow-up weight, waist circum-ference, serum biochemistry and hormone values of the patients were re-evaluated in the 6-12 month period after the operation. Results: A total of 1027 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the male patients was 37.33±12.40 years, and the mean preoperative BMI was 38.51±3.98kg/m2 (35.20-49.80). The pos-toperative follow-up period of the patients was 9.72±2.98 months. There was a significant increase in the IIEF (all sub-dimensions) scores of the patients after the operation (p<0.001 for each). An increase in FSFI scores was found in female partners after surgery (21.67±6.78 vs. 27.55±5.48; p<0.001). The change in IIEF-EF scores was moderately inversely correlated with partner BMI, mo-derately correlated with vitamin D levels, and linearly correlated with testosterone levels (p=0.034, r=-0.434; p=0.012, r=0.537 and p=0.027, r=0.476, respectively). Conclusions: BS provides a significant increase in the sexual functions of obese men. This increase shows a significant relationship with partner BMI and vitamin D levels.