The relationship of serum and salivary cortisol levels to male sexual dysfunction as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function

Abstract

To evaluate the biomarkers of sexual function, we investigated the relationship between questionnaire responses and biological hormones such as testosterone (T) and cortisol (F) in serum and saliva. The study population included 105 men aged 30–72 years (mean: 49±4.5, median: 49). Levels of all serum hormones (Total-T, Free-T, Bioavailable-T, Total-F and Bioavailable-F) and salivary hormones (Saliva-T and Saliva-F) were measured directly by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used as a questionnaire to evaluate sexual dysfunction. Free-T and Bioavailable-T showed significant inverse correlations with age ( P <0.01). In the group not taking antidepressants, the levels of Bioavailable-F and Saliva-F showed significant inverse correlations with a portion of the IIEF score ( P <0.05). However, reductions in Bioavailable-T and Saliva-T showed no association with the IIEF score. In the group taking antidepressants, these hormone levels showed no correlation with IIEF.

Sexual Enhancing Effect of Anacardium occidentale in Stress-Exposed Rats by Improving Dopaminergic and Testicular Functions

“…The suppression of PDE-5 and the increase in eNOS activity induced by the extract treatment could also contribute the role especially in penile erection. The negative correlation between stress hormone and male sexual function [30] was also reported. Therefore, the extract could also decrease stress hormone and induced the improvement of male sexual behavior.…”

Gout is associated with organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction

“…The level of cortisol has a significant inverse correlation with penile erection [29]. A study by Sakamoto et al demonstrated that PED can be triggered by stress because it can involve the gastrin-releasing peptide system that is the primary mediator for male reproductive function [18].…”

Depression and Sexual Dysfunction Among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men: Mediation by Use of Antidepressants and Recreational Stimulants

“…Other mediators may important variables to consider in the relationship between depression and subsequent sexual dysfunction. Biochemical variables may be relevant, such as chronic cortisol release (Kobori et al, 2009), and abnormally high levels of prolactin among men taking antidepressants (Corona et al, 2009b) may also be relevant mediators. Low testosterone levels have also been implicated in sexual dysfunction and may have a larger role to play for men experiencing depression, especially for HIV-positive men (e.g., Corona et al, 2009a; Gray et al, 2006).…”