Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Male Sexual Health: a Prospective Study

BACKGROUND:Obesity is a worldwide prevalent problem which negatively affects most of the human body systems. Male sexual dysfunction is a frequent problem in obese individuals. Nowadays, bariatric surgery is the most successful way for the management of morbid obesity. Recent research has concluded that it has a significant improving effect on sexual function.AIM OF THE STUDY:This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on male sexual function.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Sixty-six male patients indicated for bariatric surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Only forty-eight of them completed the study. Patients were invited to fill the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire twice, preoperatively (T1) and 12 months postoperatively (T2). Simultaneously, patients' serum testosterone levels were assayed.RESULTS:At T2, the patients showed highly significant increase in the IIEF scores and the serum testosterone levels (p<0.001). Only weight and BMI were significant predictors of the IIEF scores. The same factors as well as the patients' age were predictors of the serum testosterone levels.CONCLUSION:Bariatric surgery improves male sexual health. It is associated with significant increase in IIEF score and serum testosterone levels.