Sexual dysfunctions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: In most studies, it has been observed that the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and psychiatric disorders are greater additional to many chronic diseases when compared to normal population in patients with OSAS. In our study, it has been aimed to evaluate sexual dysfunctions of patients with OSAS and to compare severity of OSAS both among themselves as well as a control group of healthy volunteers.Method: In our study, there were two groups classified as 40 patients diagnosed with OSAS and 38 healthy individuals. The patient group was composed of 11 female and 29 male, the control group was composed of 18 female and 20 male. All the participants were given to sociodemographic information form. Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX) was administered in order to diagnose sexual dysfunctions.Results: The presence of sexual dysfunctions was observed for both groups; among patient groups 90.9% of females and among control group 72.2% of females and it was revealed that sexual dysfunctions in patient group were significantly higher than control group. In terms of ASEX components, the mean scores of female patients on sexual drive, ability to reach orgasm and satisfaction from orgasm were significantly greater than control group. In female patients, ASEX components, and sexual complaints did not differ significantly in terms of severity of OSAS.In patient group, 44.8% of males, in control group 35.0% of males, the presence of sexual dysfunction was detected and sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in patient group. In terms of ASEX components, the mean scores of patient and control groups did not differ significantly from each other. It was obtained that in terms of ASEX components, the mean scores of penile erection and satisfaction from orgasm were greater in patients with severe OSAS than moderately OSAS patients.Conclusion: In our study, OSAS as a risk factor for sexual dysfunction for both sexes have been identified. It was revealed that the severity of OSAS in both sexes has not been correlated with sexual dysfunction, sexual complaints and ASEX components.