Erectile Dysfunction in Cirrhosis Patients: A Worrying Problem
Abstract:
Introduction: Cirrhosis is a clinical condition that facilitates the onset of erectile dysfunction through various mechanisms, yet this association has been little studied.The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and severity of erectile dysfunction in cirrhosis patients.
Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department of the Libreville University Hospital between 1 January 2021 and 31 De cember 2024. We included known cirrhotic patients, followed on an outpatient basis, male, aged 18 to 55 years old, and who gave their consent. Erectile dysfunction was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). The severity of cirrhosis was assessed using the Child-Pugh score. Statistical analysis was performed using SRSS software.
Results: We recorded 174 refusals and 92 consents, representing an acceptance rate of 34.59%. The average age was 48 ± 8.4 years. The average follow-up period was 5 years ± 2 years. 19.57% were on beta-blockers and 33.7% on diuretics. The most common causes were alcohol (34.78%), hepatitis B (31.52%) and hepatitis C (19.57%). There were 72.83% of patients with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis (n=67). Erectile dysfunction was present in 91.3% of patients and was severe in 95.24%.
Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction in cirrhotic patients appears to be a common taboo subject, the severity of which is similar to the degree of liver deterioration.
