Erectile dysfunction in men with HIV-1: effect of hypogonadism and antiretroviral therapy.
Journal of HIV Therapy › Vol. 12 Nbr. 2, June 2007
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Summary
LEADING ARTICLE
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Extract
Erectile dysfunction in men with HIV-1: effect of hypogonadism and antiretroviral therapy.
INTRODUCTION
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is more common amongst men with HIV-1 (receiving antiretroviral therapy or not) than HIV-1-negative men [1,2]: 74% of HIV-1-positive men report ED [3]. However, the overall prevalence of ED in HIV-1-positive men is unknown. This is due to differences in studies, such as ED case definitions, sample sizes, and study designs. Moreover, whilst age and CD4+ count are usually considered, co-morbid conditions such as AIDS-defining illnesses, cardiovascular disease and psychological conditions, are more difficult to adjust for. HIV-1-positive men with ED rate their quality of life as lower than men with normal erectile function [4]. Diagnosing and treating ED has benefits at two levels: the individual, by strengthening sexual relationships and self-esteem, and the population, by potentially facilitating more consistent condom usage ('safer sex culture') in men who might otherwise not use condoms because of ED. The causes of ED affect all men regardless of HIV-1 serostatus; however, hypogonadism and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with ED in HIV-1-positive men and these are the subject of this review. HYPOGONADISM Hypogonadism is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction (>95% patients have normal test...See the full content of this document
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