The role of hypothyroidism in male infertility and erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on erectile function and sperm parameters.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study was conducted on 24 patients with hypothyroidism and 66 normal individuals. Serum levels of hormones, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone, were measured and semen analysis was done in all the participants. Erectile function was evaluated using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mean IIEF-5 total score was 11.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.70 to 13.79) and 20.81 (95% CI: 20.02 to 21.6) for hypothyroid group and normal subjects, respectively (P = .005). Furthermore, serum concentrations of PRL and seminal parameters were significantly different between two groups (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism adversely affects erectile function and sperm parameters, including sperm count, morphology, and motility. In patients with sperm abnormalities and erectile dysfunction, measurement of thyroid hormones is recommended.