Introduction: Data about sexual dysfunction (SD), particularly erectile dysfunction (ED), in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C remain unclear and insufficient.
Aim: To determine sexual problems particularly (ED) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, study changes in sex hormones and liver functions in chronic hepatitis patients with and without sexual
problems and correlate sexual problems with other factors.
Patients and methods: Seventy-two patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, 14 healthy controls and 12 patients with ED alone were included. All completed a questionnaire of the International Index
of Erectile Function (IIEF). Serum hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, FSH and LH) were measured.
Results: Out of the 72 patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, 20 patients (27.78%) had SD, 15 (20.83%) had ED, 3 (4.17%) had premature ejaculation and 5 (6.94%) had decreased libido. The 15
patients with ED were classified: five mild, eight mild to moderate and two moderate through severe. Levels of prolactin and LH were significantly higher in patients with both chronic hepatitis and ED than patients with chronic hepatitis alone or ED alone Testosterone levels were significantly lowers in patients with both chronic hepatitis and ED than in patients with ED alone and higher than patients with chronic hepatitis alone.
Conclusion: The liver condition and hormonal effects of chronic hepatitis B and C may contribute to the pathogenesis of ED. Further studies on sexual problems of patients with liver disease of
different etiologies and severities to improve the quality of life are needed.