Burden of multiple genital warts on male sexual function

Abstract

Background Anogenital warts are one of the many clinical symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly contagious sexually transmitted virus. Every year, genital warts (GWs) are detected in an estimated 3–4 million males across the world. Patients with GWs have been observed to experience elevated degrees of worry, sadness, and sexual dysfunction. Aims The goal of the current study was to assess the influence of numerous GWs on the erectile function of male patients. Patient and methods Forty male patients with numerous GWs and 40 age and sex-matched healthy controls participated in this case-control research. Each patient had their history taken and was given a physical examination. Blood samples were taken from the veins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to assess testosterone and HbA1c concentrations in the serum (ELISA). Results There was a highly significant difference between cases and control regarding libido, it was present only in 62.5% of cases while was present in all controls (P value 0.001). There was a highly significant difference among patients and control regarding the presence of orgasm and ejaculation, it was present in 75% of cases but present in all controls (P value 0.001). Mean depression and anxiety score was significantly higher in cases than controls12.0±5.15 vs. 6.15±3.66 and 10.5±5.18 vs. 5.80±2.20, respectively (P value 0.001). 52.5% of cases had depression compared with only 10% in controls and 40% of cases had anxiety compared with only 2.5% of controls (P value 0.001). There was a significant relation between the Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score and number of warts, patients with more than 3 warts had an extreme effect on their quality of life (QOL) (P value 0.032). There was a significant relation between Dermatology life quality index score and size of warts, patients with large warts greater than or equal to 3 cm had an extreme effect on their quality of life (P value 0.038). Conclusions Multiple genital warts might hinder a person’s normal activities. As the condition progressed and recurrences occurred, the quantity and size of genital warts became increasingly significant. More often than not, males with genital warts experience erectile dysfunction. When comparing cases to controls, there was also a statistically significant decline in desire, orgasm, and ejaculation.