Association of mandibular functional impairment and orofacial pain with subtypes of male sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are among the most common causes of orofacial pain and have been associated with several systemic conditions. However, their relationship with male sexual dysfunctions (MSDs) remains largely unexplored.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between TMD symptoms and different subtypes of MSDs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 men aged 18 to 50, classified as having premature ejaculation (n = 33), delayed ejaculation (n = 10), or erectile dysfunction (n = 22), or being control participants (n = 26). TMD symptoms were assessed using the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), and sexual function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT).

RESULTS

Significant group differences were found in the IELT and all IIEF subdomain (p < 0.001) values. Participants with delayed ejaculation had the longest IELTs, whereas those with erectile dysfunction had the shortest. PEDT scores were significantly higher in the premature-ejaculation and erectile-dysfunction groups than in the control group, with no significant difference observed between the delayed-ejaculation and control groups. Orofacial pain (cheek-temple-jaw) was more frequent in all MSD groups (p = 0.001), whereas temporomandibular joint pain (ear area) was particularly more prevalent in the delayed-ejaculation group. MFIQ scores indicated greater mandibular impairment primarily in the erectile-dysfunction group. Multinomial regression analysis results showed that orofacial pain independently predicted all MSD subtypes, but temporomandibular joint pain was specifically associated with delayed ejaculation.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate a potential association between TMD-related symptoms and MSDs, suggesting that orofacial pain and functional jaw impairment may be related to male sexual health. These findings highlight the potential importance of using a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration between dentists, urologists, and physical therapists to improve both jaw and sexual health outcomes.