Erectile dysfunction and andropause symptoms in infertile men.

Purpose: We evaluated the prevalence of andropause symptoms and erectile dysfunction in our infertile population.

Materials And Methods: A total of 302 consecutive men presenting for infertility evaluation and 60 consecutive men with proven fertility seeking vasectomy (controls) were administered the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaires. Information regarding other clinical parameters, including seminal parameters, was collected by review of patient charts.

Results: Of the 302 infertile men screened, 38% reported significant andropause symptoms and 28% had abnormal SHIM scores. Of the subgroup of infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia, 25% reported andropause symptoms and 27% had an abnormal SHIM score. In the fertile group 21% reported andropause symptoms and only 11% had an abnormal SHIM score. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in infertile men was significantly higher than in the fertile controls (p = 0.007).

Conclusions: Andropause symptoms and erectile dysfunction are common among infertile men, affecting approximately 38% of this population. This finding suggests that the population of infertile men should be carefully screened to identify and treat those with erectile dysfunction.