Effects of psoriasis and metabolic syndrome on male sexual functions

Background and Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic skin disease triggered by psychological, genetic and environmental factors. The effect of psoriasis on sexual health has not been fully elucidated. Coexistence of psychiatric disorders also affects negatively the life quality of psoriasis patients. This study investigates the relationship between the severity of the current illness, psychosocial health problems and coexisting metabolic syndrome on sexual health in male patients with psoriasis.

Materials and methods: 52 male patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 50 healthy men included for the study. Patient groups Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were tested, subsequently International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) tests and Metabolic syndrome (MetS) were reported for both groups. Eventually, the patient groups treaments were recorded.

Results: IIEF, HAM-D scores and MetS were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.017, P = 0.005, P = 0.009). IIEF score had a significant negative correlation with age, HAM-D and PASI scores (r = –0.405, –0.217 and –0.394, P = 0.028, 0.043 and 0.014). It is seen that the frequency and severity of ED increased with methotrexate treatment.

Conclusion: It is showed that psoriasis has negative effects on male sexual health in this study. Our opinion of the reason is the natural course of the disease, its coexistence with diseases such as metabolic syndrome and depression, and the agents used in its treatment.

Psoriasis; Erectile dysfunction; Metabolic syndrome

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