Influence of hypothyroidism on erectile dysfunction in patients at a south american hospital

Luis Dulcey; Jorge Hernandez; Juan Theran; Valentina Ochoa; Valentina Navas; Pinzon Harold Torres; Jaime Gomez

doi:10.1530/endoabs.109.P224

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Endocrine Abstracts (2025) 109 P224 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.109.P224

SFEBES2025 Poster Presentations Reproductive Endocrinology (22 abstracts)

Influence of hypothyroidism on erectile dysfunction in patients at a south american hospital

Luis Dulcey ¹ , Jorge Hernández ² , Juan Theran ² , Valentina Ochoa ² , Valentina Navas ² , Harold Torres Pinzon ² & Jaime Gomez ³

Author affiliations

¹University of Andes, Mérida, Venezuela; ²University of Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia; ³Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, Bucaramanga, Colombia

Introduction: Thyroid gland (TG) disorders play a significant role in increasing the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men.

Objective: To investigate the incidence of reduced thyroid hormone levels in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and assess the impact of hypothyroidism on sexual parameters.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the University Hospital of Los Andes with men aged 18 to 60 presenting ED symptoms. Evaluations included physical exams, rectal examinations, and hormonal blood profiles [total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (T4)]. Ultrasound studies of the scrotum and prostate were also performed. Data analysis was conducted using Excel 2013.

Results: Subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in 21% of patients with ED, while overt hypothyroidism was found in 13%. Elevated prolactin levels were observed in 8% of all ED patients and in 14% of those with hypothyroidism. Low total and free testosterone levels were identified in 71% of patients overall and in 34% of those with clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism. SHBG, estradiol, and prostate abnormalities were not implicated in ED.

Discussion: The study reveals that hypothyroidism significantly contributes to hormonal imbalances, especially reduced testosterone and increased prolactin, which are linked to the severity of ED. These findings underscore the importance of thyroid function in maintaining male reproductive health.

Conclusion: Thyroid hormone levels are essential for male sexual health. Hypothyroidism was found to be a key factor in lowering sexual hormone levels and exacerbating ED severity (r = 1.5, P < 0.005).