Abstract
BackgroundStenoses of internal pudendal arteries (IPAs) appear to be related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, the correlation between the severity of ED and stenosis of the IPAs is not well established.ObjectivesTo evaluate angiographic findings of IPAs in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and to assess the correlation between the severity of ED and IPA stenosis.Materials and methodsNinety-one patients who were scheduled for cardiac angiogram (CAG) because of suspected CAD participated. ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Erectile function (EF) domain scoring was used to assess the severity of ED: severe (EF score = 1–10); moderate (11–16); mild-moderate (17–21); mild (22–25); and no ED (26–30). Angiography was performed in bilateral common, internal iliac, and IPAs and the location and extent of stenoses were measured. We divided patients according to those with maximum stenosis of less than 50% (Group I) and those with more than 50% (Group II), regardless of direction.ResultsWe diagnosed 88 patients (88/91, 96.70%) with ED. There was no correlation between increasing age and severity of ED (r = - 0.063, p = 0.555). There were 72 patients in Group I and 19 in Group II. In Group I, 62 patients were diagnosed with ED even though there was no stenosis. There was no significant correlation between the severity of ED and the extent of stenosis in IPAs (r = -0.118, p = 0.265).ConclusionsThere was no significant correlation between the severity of ED and the extent of stenosis of IPAs. We believe that this is because the progression of ED is induced by endothelial cell dysfunction, not by mechanical obstruction leading to blood flow reduction.
Highlights
Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the persistent incapability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable to support sexual intercourse [1], is a common disease and a significant contributor to poor quality of life and psychosocial morbidity in middle-aged men [2, 3]
There was no significant correlation between the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the extent of stenosis in internal pudendal arteries (IPAs) (r = -0.118, p = 0.265)
We believe that this is because the progression of ED is induced by endothelial cell dysfunction, not by mechanical obstruction leading to blood flow reduction
Summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the persistent incapability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable to support sexual intercourse [1], is a common disease and a significant contributor to poor quality of life and psychosocial morbidity in middle-aged men [2, 3]. The incidence of ED increases with age. Several studies reported that 10% of men older than 35 years experienced ED, and this percentage increased to 75% in men aged 70 and older. Vascular endothelial dysfunction, including coronary artery disease (CAD), appears to play a significant role in the development of ED [7,8,9]. Stenoses of internal pudendal arteries (IPAs) appear to be related to erectile dysfunction (ED). The correlation between the severity of ED and stenosis of the IPAs is not well established
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
