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The impact of hyperthyroidism on sexual functions in men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Impotence Research (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

This study aimed to review the current knowledge on sexual dysfunction in men and women with hyperthyroidism through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Available clinical trials from the MEDLINE database were searched using a prerecorded protocol (Protocol Prospero ID: CRD42022340587), and obtained data were analyzed and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled effect estimates were computed using a random-effects model. Twenty eligible studies were identified, of which 15 were included in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was significantly higher in participants with hyperthyroidism than that in controls [odds ratio = 9.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0–16.5)]. Treatment of hyperthyroidism alone improved erectile functions [effect size, ES = 0.36 (95% CI, −0.01–72)] and mean intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time [ES = 0.63 (95% CI, 0.27–98)] among men with erectile dysfunction and/or premature ejaculation. The prevalence of premature ejaculation also decreased with treatment of hyperthyroidism [odds ratio = 0.11 (95% CI, 0.04–28). Women with hyperthyroidism demonstrated higher odds in female sexual dysfunction than controls [odds ratio = 4.34 (95% CI, 2.63–7.18)]. Female sexual function index scores in women with hyperthyroidism were also significantly lower than those in the controls with moderate effect sizes. An evident and reversible disruption of sexual functions under hyperthyroidism conditions was observed in both sexes.

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4: Erectile dysfunction prevalence and scores of erectile function in men with hyperthyroidism compared to control subjects.
Fig. 5
Fig. 6: Changes of parameters related to sexual function with treatment of hyperthyroidism in men.
Fig. 7: Parameters related to sexual function in women with hyperthyroidism compared to control subjects.
Fig. 8: Some domains of FSFI in women with hyperthyroidism compared to control subjects.

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Data availability

We analyzed currently published data that were protected according to publisher-specific policies. Therefore, we did not take further action regarding the availability of the data.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mr Osman Demir, a librarian, who supported us during our search for this report. Knowing that we cannot repay our debt to them, we would also like to thank again the 40 rats who were sacrificed for our thesis work in 2008 for the formation of knowledge and development of sexual medicine on this subject, which could have one basis for this paper.

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  1. Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye

    Ahmet Cihan

  2. Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Izmir, Türkiye

    Ahmet Adil Esen

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AC: conceptualization, methodology, investigation, data curation, validation, writing and, revisions of the paper. AAE: conceptualization, methodology, validation, and final approval of the paper.

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Correspondence to Ahmet Cihan.

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We analyzed currently published data that were protected according to publisher-specific policies. Therefore, seeking ethical approval was not necessary. Nevertheless, the study was conducted according to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Cihan, A., Esen, A.A. The impact of hyperthyroidism on sexual functions in men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Impot Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00777-3

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