Does Halitosis Effect Sexual Life in Males?

Abstract

Aim: Halitosis is an unpleasant alteration of the halitus. The aim of the study is to assess the quality of sexual life of males with and without halitosis. Material and Method: Males between 20-50 years old; with a complaint of halitosis; married and able to complete the study were included in the study. The control group were healthy, adult, married males who have normal otorhinolaryngologic examination. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire(IIEF) were used to assess the quality of sexual life of males with halitosis and the results were compared with a similar group of healthy men. Results: A total of 80 adult subjects completed the study. When the groups were compared in terms of age, body mass index(BMI) and duration of marriage, they were similar (p=0.65, p= 0.20, p= 0.08 respectively). The halitosis group had significantly lower scores for all function domains (p=0.0001).There was no correlation between degree of halitosis and the scores of IIEF (p< 0.05). Discussion: This is the first study investigating the sexual health of males with halitosis. Halitosis not only effects oral health status but also strongly declines quality of life. The otorhinolaryngologist must not only treat halitosis but also help the patient to stand up to social and sexual problems concomitting halitosis.