Biochemical Pattern Of Erectile Dysfunction in Nigerians Living in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a global disease which may not be lethal, but has a negative impact on the quality of life and self esteem of the patients. There are conflicting reports on the need or otherwise for endocrine evaluation of patients with this disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin in patients with ED. A retrospective study of 115 patients with erectile dysfunction who were investigated for endocrine disorders from June 2000 – May 2005 is presented. Serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin were determined using ELECSYS 1010 auto analyzer. Endocrine disorders were observed in 48.7% of the subjects. These include primary hypogonadism (10.4%), hypogonadotropins (26.1%) and isolated low FSH (12.2%). No endocrine pathologies were observed in 51.3% of the subjects. Endocrine disorders are common in patients with erectile dysfunction referred to the laboratory of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Endocrine evaluation is therefore essential in the management of these patients.