Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) seems to be a widespread sexual issue in men affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Multiple causes appear to be involved such as hormonal imbalance, smoking habit, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, chronic hypoxia, psychiatric disorders (depression and anxiety), and medications. ED can have a significant impact on COPD men and consequently on their quality of life, which is usually already compromised. Given this situation, however, pneumologists usually do not properly care for the sexuality of COPD patients especially because men can be reluctant to talk about their intimate issues. The aim of this narrative review is to briefly summarize the evidence emerging from literature and to provide a wide point of view about sexual dysfunction in COPD men.
Highlights
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disorder
Caution must be taken in patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or taking certain drugs that can worsen side effects. Another indication to use phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i) is Pulmonary hypertension (PAH), a common cardiovascular comorbidity associated with COPD [114]
Sexual dysfunction is a common finding in COPD men
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disorder. In COPD patients, the presence of endothelial dysfunction, smoking, chronic hypoxia, cardiovascular comorbidities, hormonal imbalance, and mood disorders related to status and medications can limit the pursuance of penile erection and subsequently lead to an unsatisfactory sexual life [14,15]. This issue can impair overall QoL, a parameter often compromised in COPD men [16,17]. The aim of this narrative review is to investigate sexual function and ED in COPD men
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.
