PS-08-008 A worse erectile function is observed comparing infertile with fertile men, and azoospermic with infertile normozoospermic men, the last case in relation to psychopathologic traits

Sexual function in infertile men has been poorly investigated. This study is aimed at evaluating possible differences in sexual function comparing different categories of infertile men [azoospermic(A), oligo- and/or astheno- and/or terato-zoospermic(OAT) and normozoospermic(N) men] to each other and to fertile (F) men. A consecutive series of 407 men with couple infertility (36.7 ± 8.3years) was studied. Patients were divided in 3 groups: A (n = 92), OAT (n = 227) and N (n = 88) men according to WHO, 2010. A consecutive series of 46 fertile men (35.7 ± 4.7years) was taken as control group. Sexual and erectile functions and ejaculatory status were assessed using IIEF-15, IIEF-15-erectile function domain (EFD) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), respectively. Psychological traits were evaluated using Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ).Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed. The prevalence of ED (IIEF-15-EFD score<26) and PE (PEDT score>8) in infertile men was 19.5% and 11.8%. IIEF-15-EFD score was significantly lower in A, OAT or N when compared to F men (all p < 0.0001), while orgasmic and sexual desire scores were significantly lower in A when compared with F men (p < 0.05). A significant difference in IIEF-15-EFD score was also observed comparing A and N men (p = 0.005). After adjusting for confounders (age, waist, calculated free testosterone, pack-years of smoking, MHQ total score), at ANCOVA analysis, only the differences in IIEF-15-EFD score between A, OAT or N and F men were confirmed (p < 0.05). The comparison between A and N men moderated the association between IIEF-15-EFD and MHQ total score. After adjusting for confounders, MHQ total score was significantly associated with IIEF-15-EFD score only in A group (β = -0.255, p < 0.05). No difference in PEDT score was observed among groups.