Testosterone deficiency in the aging male and its relationship with sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases

Abstract: The relationship between age-associated dec-line of testosterone (T), cardiovascular (CV) risk and sexual dysfunction in males is not completely clear. The aim of the present study was to report our experience in a large series of patients seeking medical care for sexual dysfunction and comparing our results with current evidence.: Here, we review published data from our laboratory and reported data from a cross-sectional analysis on a consecutive series of 3149 patients seeking medical care at our Unit for sexual dysfunction (between 2000 and 2010). Among them, 1687 (studied between 2000 and 2007) patients were also longitudinally evaluated (mean follow-up 4.3±2.6 years) for forthcoming major cardiovascular events (MACEs). All major findings were discussed in comparison with data reported in the literature.: T levels were associated with a wide array of biological and psychological factors, which substantially differ as a function of age. Some of these associations were more evident in the youngest patients (psychological symptoms), whereas sexual symptoms, including erectile function, sexual desire and the frequency of sexual intercourse, were associated with T levels only in the oldest patients. We did not find any association between T and MACEs, whereas we reported a close link between CV mortality and low T. Both these observations are in line with data obtained in community-dwelling men.: T plays a crucial role in regulating different aspects of male sexual function. The effect of T on CV risk needs to be confirmed in larger epidemiological and interventional studies.

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Association Between Prediabetes and Retinopathy: A Meta-Analysis

Hormone and Metabolic Research ◽

10.1055/a-1678-7092 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (12) ◽

pp. 801-809

Author(s):

Ji Jin ◽

Peirong Lu

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Microvascular Complications ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Study Heterogeneity ◽

Study Characteristics

AbstractDiabetes confers an increased risk of microvascular complications, including retinopathy. However, whether prediabetes is also related to retinopathy has not been comprehensively examined. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between prediabetes and retinopathy. This meta-analysis included relevant observational studies from Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A random-effect model after incorporation of the intra-study heterogeneity was selected to pool the results. Subgroup analyses were applied to evaluate the influences of study characteristics on relationship. Nine cross-sectional studies including 14 751 community dwelling adult participants were included; 3847 (26.1%) of them were prediabetic. Results showed that prediabetes was associated with a higher prevalence of retinopathy compared to normoglycemia [odds ratio (OR): 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–2.20, p=0.01, I2=34%]. Sensitivity analysis by excluding one study at a time showed consistent result (OR: 1.35 to 1.73, p all<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed study characteristics such as definition of prediabetes, country of study, sample size, mean age of participants, or univariate or multivariate analyses may not significantly affect the association (p for subgroup difference all>0.05). Current evidence suggests that patients with prediabetes may be associated with higher prevalence of retinopathy as compared to those with normoglycemia. Although prospective cohort studies are needed to validate these findings, results of our meta-analysis highlighted the importance of early prevention of retinopathy in patients with prediabetes.

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Sexual dysfunction in men and women with diabetes: a mirror of their complications?

Current Diabetes Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573399817666210309104740 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Sansone ◽

Danielle Mollaioli ◽

Giacomo Ciocca ◽

Erika Limoncin ◽

Elena Colonnello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Vascular Complications ◽

Premature Mortality ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Sexual Dysfunctions ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Men And Women ◽

Beneficial Effects

Background.: Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the worldwide leading causes of death, is associated with a plethora of micro- and macro-vascular complications which should be carefully investigated and, in case, treated in order to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of premature mortality. Objective: To investigate and report current evidence in regards to the association between sexual dysfunction and diabetes. Methods: A detailed analysis of current literature has been performed on PubMed and Scholar in order to retrieve the most relevant findings pertaining to study topic. Results: Female and male sexual dysfunction often occur in the context of diabetes; while cardiovascular complications are clearly involved, psychosexological factors, endocrine complications, and endothelial dysfunction all contribute to the pathogenesis of sexual dysfunctions. Psychological symptoms are seldom investigated, yet should not be overlooked by the clinician; in fact, an interplay between sexual dysfunctions and depressive symptoms has been reported, and beneficial effects on both conditions might be obtained by adequate psychological support. Sexual dysfunctions can also act as early biomarkers of cardiovascular disease – a phenomenon frequently reported in men, in which erectile dysfunction predicts the development of coronary artery disease. Additionally, drug therapies can act in both directions, with treatments for diabetes possibly improving male sexual function and beneficial effects for cardiovascular health being reported for pro-erectile drugs. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunctions often occur in men and women with diabetes. Investigating micro- and macro-vascular complications might not be enough to prevent the development or worsening of any sexual dysfunction; endocrine and psychological assessment are therefore needed to provide the best chances for adequate treatment.

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Sexual dysfunction: prevalence and associated factors in patients with mental illness receiving psychotropic medication in Nigeria

African Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ahs.v19i4.18 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 2973-2984 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Samuel Obateru Osasona ◽

Mary Ehimigbai

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Psychotropic Medication ◽

Medication Compliance ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Psychiatric Medication ◽

Duration Of Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sexual Symptoms

Objectives: The objectives were to determine the prevalence of total and specific sexual dysfunction among psychiatric out-patients taking psychotropic medication, assess its relationship with some demographic and clinical variables, determine the effect of sexual dysfunction on subject’s self- esteem and compliance with medication.Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the psychiatric out-patient clinic of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Benin City. The International Index of Erectile Functioning (IIEF), Rosenberg’s self esteem scale and a socio-demographic and clinical data questionnaire were administered to 300 participants; 150 (50%) psychiatric male patients and 150 (50%) controls.Results: The prevalence of total sexual dysfunction was 48.7%, while that of the specific SDs ranged from 20.0% to 39.3%, with erectile dysfunction having the highest proportion. Age, marital status, class, dose of psychotropic medication, poly-pharmacy and duration of treatment were significantly associated with SD. Majority of patient with SD reported poor compliance with medication. Self-esteem scores had significant inverse relationship with total SD scores.Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent amongst psychiatric patients taking psychiatric medication and has negative implications for self-esteem and medication compliance. Routine enquiry about sexual symptoms by physicians and prompt treatment of SD might enhance overall treatment success.Keywords: Sexual dysfunction, psychiatric patients, psychotropic medication, Nigeria.

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Sociodemographic Profile and Co-morbid Symptoms among Individuals with Semen Loss

Bangladesh Journal of Medicine ◽

10.3329/bjm.v33i1.56792 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 64-69

Author(s):

Mohammad Muntasir Maruf ◽

Muhammad Zillur Rahman Khan ◽

Nasim Jahan ◽

Ahsan Uddin Ahmed ◽

Mohammad Shibli Sadiq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Premature Ejaculation ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Sexual Problems ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Sexual Symptoms ◽

Sociodemographic Profile ◽

Male Patients

Background: Semen loss and associated problems, sometimes known as ‘Dhat syndrome’ or ‘Semen loss anxiety’, are found specially in the cultures of South Asian region including Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to assess the physical, psychological and sexual problems in the patients complaining semen loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh. All the male patients (aged 18-60 years) with self-reported complaints of semen loss were included in the study. Within three months, data were collected from 95 respondents through face to face interview with a semistructured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 23.7 (±5.1) years. Almost half (47.4%) of the respondents belonged to the age group of 21-30 years. Majority of them was Muslim (94.7%), married (54.7%), completed primary education (42.1%), currently unemployed (46.3%) and resided in urban area (87.4%), Most of the respondents complained of semen loss through urine (57.9%), followed by through night emission (18.9%) and masturbation (16.8%). All respondents complained more than one other symptom. Common physical symptoms were physical weakness (89.8%) and vertigo (50.5%), psychological symptoms were anxiety (49.8%) and depression (38.9%) and sexual symptoms were premature ejaculation (42.1%) and erectile dysfunction (31.6%). Conclusion: There were various other physical, psychological and sexual problems among the patients with the complaints of semen loss. So, other symptoms should be considered and managed when dealing with these patients. Bangladesh J Medicine July 2022; 33(1) : 64-69

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Effects of physical activity on symptoms in prostate cancer survivors.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.e20540 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e20540-e20540

Author(s):

Kathleen Shedlock ◽

Davina Porock ◽

Jean K. Brown ◽

Harold Burton ◽

Peter Horvath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Prostate Cancer ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Physical Health ◽

Early Stage ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prostate Cancer Survivors ◽

Sexual Symptoms ◽

Initiation Of Therapy

e20540 Background: Physical activity (PA) in prostate cancer (PC) survivors improves general QOL and fatigue, but the relationship between PA and genitourinary symptoms in PC survivors is unknown. The incidence of sexual dysfunction may be as high as 68% during active surveillance and 78% in men receiving conventional therapies. PA has mitigated erectile dysfunction in non-prostate cancer populations. Objective: To determine the relationships among PA, age, co-morbidities, mental and physical health and symptoms, particularly related to sexual dysfunction, experienced by men with PC prior to therapy. Methods: Study Design: Correlational/cross sectional secondary analysis of de-identified data from 258 men with early stage PC prior to initiation of therapy. Variables: Habitual PA (Baecke Questionnaire- BAQ), physical (PCS) and mental health (MCS) (SF-36) and urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunctional symptoms (UCLA Prostate Cancer Index). Analysis: Descriptive statistics; correlations; hierarchical regressions to assess moderating and mediating relationships. Results: Mean Age = 63.2 + 8.1 yrs. BAQ activity scores, ranged from 2.2 to 12.1 (M and SD= 6.8+1.9), indicating low levels of PA. PCI mean scores = 92+13, urinary; 88 +13, bowel; 52 +29 for sexual. PA was negatively correlated with sexual symptoms (r=0.31; p<0.001). Physical health was negatively associated with all symptoms and age, but positively correlated with PA (r=0.21; p=0.001). Physical health mediates effects of age for urinary symptoms and partially for sexual symptoms. PA’s relationship to sexual dysfunctional symptoms was independent of age and was at least partially mediated by physical health. Conclusions: Urinary, bowel and sexual symptoms experienced by men at time of diagnosis were similar to men of similar age without PC, indicating age as the dominant predictor of symptoms. This study identified potential mechanisms of symptoms in early stage PC that warrant further testing. Symptoms related to sexual dysfunction may be especially amenable to PA.

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Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-20-00059 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Connie K. Porcaro ◽

Clare Singer ◽

Boris Djokic ◽

Ali A. Danesh ◽

Ruth Tappen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Voice Disorders ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Vocal Performance ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.

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Investigation on psychological symptoms improves ANDROTEST accuracy in predicting hypogonadism in subjects with sexual dysfunction

Endocrine Abstracts ◽

10.1530/endoabs.32.p675 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Giulia Rastrelli ◽

Giovanni Corona ◽

Elisa Bandini ◽

Carolina Strada ◽

Elisa Maseroli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Psychological Symptoms

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Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Various Eye Diseases in Sulaimani: A Descriptive Study

Kurdistan Journal of Applied Research ◽

10.24017/science.2018.2.1 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Abdulrahman M. Ibrahem ◽

Salah Q. Mahmood ◽

Muhammed Babakir-Mina ◽

Salar Ibrahim Ali ◽

Bakhtyar Kamal Talabany

Keyword(s):

Vision Loss ◽

Good Practice ◽

Study Data ◽

Eye Diseases ◽

Vision Impairment ◽

P Value ◽

Published Data ◽

Knowledge Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Practice

Knowledge and practice of public, especially patients about eye diseases are important to reduce magnitude of human blindness. Vision and sight are very essential because they allow us to connect to each other’s. In accordance to the recently published data; the estimation of 253 million people lives with vision impairment, 36 million are blind and 217 million suffer from moderate to severe vision impairment. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Dr. Aso Hospital in Sulaimani city-Iraq, from April to August 2017 by face-to-face interview through close ended questionnaire for data collecting. All data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 software. P-value of < 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant. A total of 430 patients were randomly chosen to participate in the study. They were 254 (59.1%) males and 176 (40.9%) females. 76.7% of respondents was worrying about vision loss, 0.7% was worrying about hair loss. Of the participants, 32.8% was with a good knowledge level and 40.5% was with a poor knowledge level, as well as 3.1% was in a good practice and 58.8% was in a poor practice level. Female knowledge mean score was 9.53±4.96 and male knowledge mean score was 8.42±5.45, the practice mean score of males was 4.33±1.96 and mean practice score of females was 4.13±1.93. The study data indicate the worrying of participates about vision loss is in the highest proportion and the awareness and practice of patients about eye diseases is unsatisfactory. Health education campaigns are needed to improve personal awareness about vision related problems and for better eye health.

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