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SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Circadian rhythm and erectile function: is there a penile clock?

Nature Reviews Urology volume 17, pages 603–604 (2020)Cite this article

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Disruption of the circadian clock has been associated with pathological conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Disturbed sleep patterns have now been associated with reduced erectile function. The mechanisms behind this effect are unclear but could include hypoxia signalling and low testosterone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Linda Vignozzi

  2. Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Mario Maggi

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  1. Linda Vignozzi
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  2. Mario Maggi
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Correspondence to Mario Maggi.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Vignozzi, L., Maggi, M. Circadian rhythm and erectile function: is there a penile clock?. Nat Rev Urol 17, 603–604 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-020-00376-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-020-00376-7

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