Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men with irritable bowel syndrome

Objective Sexual dysfunction (SD) is under-reported in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we sought to estimate the prevalence of SD in males with IBS. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in India among married men, newly diagnosed with IBS using the ROME-IV criteria. Data were collected by direct interviews. The prevalence of SD was assessed using validated tools: the International Index of Erectile Function-5 for erectile dysfunction and the Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation-5 for premature ejaculation. We also assessed the severity of IBS using the IBS symptom severity score and its association with SD was analysed. Results We recruited 98 males with IBS (mean age: 37.7±7.1 years) IBS—constipation type was the predominant type, noted in 42 (43%) patients. The prevalence of SD was 45.9% in males with IBS. SD was noted in 16 patients (57.1%) with diarrhoea predominant IBS, 18 (42.9%) with constipation predominant IBS and 11 (39.3%) with mixed IBS. ED was noted in 13 (13 %), PE in 12 (12%) and both ED and PE in 20 (20%). Patients with moderate/severe IBS had a higher prevalence of SD compared with those with mild IBS (57% vs 43%, p=0.002, OR 4.5 (1.7–11.8)). Conclusion The prevalence of SD is high in men with IBS, and its prevalence increases with disease severity. Physicians should be attentive to the features of SD in patients with IBS so that they can be addressed early.